Cricket news: England vs India – Three Lions’ predicted XI for first Test at Headingley
England have announced their 14-man squad for the much-anticipated first Test against India at Headingley.
The squad bears resemblance to the one that beat Zimbabwe by an innings and 45 runs at Trent Bridge, but recent injuries have forced the selectors to make a few tweaks.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer Bilal Patel takes a look at the players and predicts the starting XI for Leeds.
Enforced changes for England
Fast-bowler Gus Atkinson suffered a hamstring injury at Trent Bridge and has subsequently been ruled out of the opening Test, which has led to Jamie Overton being recalled to the squad.
Frustratingly for England, the 31-year-old is now a doubt himself after breaking his finger during the first ODI against the West Indies.
Matthew Potts, who replaced Overton for the remainder of that ODI series, has been dropped in favour of veteran seam-bowler Chris Woakes.
Elsewhere, the return of Jacob Bethell – who missed the Zimbabwe Test due to IPL commitments – could pose a selection headache.
He last featured in the Test set-up at No.3 against New Zealand at the end of last year and showed a lot of promise.
However, with the trio of Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, and Ollie Pope all scoring hundreds last time out, they are likely to retain their spots.
It is also unlikely Bethell would replace the in-form Shoaib Bashir and bat lower down the order while taking responsibility for the spin attack.
In the end, much of the side will likely remain the same from the Zimbabwe clash but with a changed pace attack consisting of Woakes, Overton, and Brydon Carse – the latter edging ahead of recent debutant Sam Cook in the pecking order.
Predicted England XI for first Test: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (captain), Jamie Smith (wicket-keeper), Chris Woakes, Jamie Overton, Brydon Carse, Shoaib Bashir.
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India without Sharma and Kohli
The upcoming Test series will not feature Rohit Sharma or Virat Kohli after they both announced their retirement from red-ball cricket in May.
Newly appointed captain Shubman Gill will lead the side against England, with Rishabh Pant taking on vice-captain duties in what is the beginning of a new chapter for Indian cricket.
Having missed out on the 2025 World Test Championship final – set to feature Australia and South Africa – they will be looking to build up some momentum at the start of a new cycle.
The eagerly anticipated five-Test series with England begins on June 20 at Headingley.
MORE FROM BILAL PATEL: Cricket news: Five things we learnt from England’s Test victory over Zimbabwe
