IND vs ENG: RCB Star Left Out as England Pick Playing XI for First Test, Woakes Makes a Comeback

England have announced their playing XI for the first Test against India, which begins on Friday, June 20, at Headingley in Leeds. This marks the start of a five-match series that kicks off the new World Test Championship cycle (2025–27) and also the first-ever edition of the Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy.

There’s good news for England fans as experienced all-rounder Chris Woakes returns to the Test team after missing out since December. Brydon Carse, the fast bowler from Durham, is also in the XI and will play his first home Test after earlier appearances in Pakistan and New Zealand.

One of the biggest talking points is the selection of Ollie Pope at No. 3. There was strong competition from young Jacob Bethell, who had done well in New Zealand and recently impressed in the white-ball series against West Indies. But Pope kept his place, especially after scoring 171 in the Zimbabwe Test a match Bethell skipped to play in the IPL for Royal Challengers Bengaluru. While Pope's numbers against India and in Ashes games haven’t been great, England captain Ben Stokes backed him completely and said there was no favouritism involved.

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England made two changes from the side that beat Zimbabwe Woakes replaces the injured Gus Atkinson, and Carse comes in for Sam Cook. Wicketkeeper Jamie Smith keeps his spot and will be key in the middle order.

With Ben Stokes leading a strong team, England will be aiming to get off to a solid start. India, under new captain Shubman Gill, are also eyeing history they haven’t won a Test series in England for 18 years. Both sides are going through changes, which makes this match a perfect stage for new heroes to rise. One big name missing from England’s XI is RCB’s rising star Jacob Bethell, who’ll have to wait a little longer for his Test debut.