England Announce Squad for First Test vs India at Leeds Starting on June 20

England have named a 14-man squad for the opening Test against India, which kicks off on June 20 at Headingley, Leeds. The five-match series will stretch until July 31, wrapping up at The Oval in London.

Ben Stokes will once again lead the side, and there’s some exciting news for fans with the return of Jamie Overton. The fast bowler last played for England in his memorable debut against New Zealand at the same venue back in June 2022. After a frustrating injury spell, he’s back in the mix despite recently suffering a finger fracture. 

Also returning is Chris Woakes, whose knack for performing in home conditions makes him a valuable asset. The 36-year-old all-rounder was instrumental in England’s famous win over India at Lord’s in 2018 and brings with him over 180 Test wickets and nearly 2,000 runs. Woakes last featured in the Ashes in 2023 but remains a trusted presence, especially on English pitches. Both he and Josh Tongue are set to get some game time ahead of the series, turning out for the England Lions in their second unofficial Test against India A. 

There’s no place in the squad for James Anderson, who recently called time on his glittering Test career. Jonny Bairstow, Ben Foakes, and Ollie Robinson are also missing from the setup this time around, signaling a bit of a transition for England as well. 

On the spin front, Shoaib Bashir has kept his place after an impressive outing against Zimbabwe, where he picked up nine wickets. He’ll serve as the team’s lone specialist spinner. Young talents Jacob Bethell, fresh off an IPL-winning campaign, and in-form seamer Sam Cook have both earned call-ups and will be hoping to make their mark if given the chance. Brydon Carse is back to full fitness after a toe injury that ruled him out of the Champions Trophy, and his pace will add depth to England’s seam attack. 

India, too, will be going through a transitional phase under new captain Shubman Gill. With big names like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravichandran Ashwin absent, and Mohammed Shami left out due to lack of match fitness. The action begins in Leeds and then moves to Birmingham, Lord’s, Manchester, and finally The Oval. 

Here’s England’s squad for the series: 

Ben Stokes (captain), Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Sam Cook, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jamie Overton, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jamie Smith (wk), Josh Tongue, Chris Woakes. 

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