India's Karun Nair endured a worrying moment in the nets ahead of the first Test match against England, which starts this Friday. The right-handed batsman was struck on the ribs by a quick one from pacer Prasidh Krishna after shying away from a defensive stroke. Despite being clearly uncomfortable, Nair was able to continue his practice session shortly after the incident, allaying fears about his fitness.

This Test is a big moment for Nair, who is likely to be included in India's playing XI for the first time since 2017. The Karnataka batsman, who infamously made a triple century against England in 2016, had been out of favor with the selectors for quite some years. But a consistent run in domestic cricket got him back in the reckoning, and now he has a golden opportunity to stake his claim in international cricket once again.

Meanwhile, England announced their playing XI for the opening Test with notable changes. Chris Woakes, back from an ankle injury, has replaced Sam Cook on the team. Brydon Carse has also been added, replacing Gus Atkinson, who is unavailable due to a hamstring injury. These changes are made in a bid to strengthen England's all-around potency and fast-bowling options.

England Go for Experience Over Youth in Batting Lineup

Woakes' comeback provides England's lower order with extra depth, playing at No. 8, while permitting Jamie Smith to bat at No. 7 as a specialist wicketkeeper-batter. Ollie Pope has been chosen ahead of 21-year-old Jacob Bethell at No. 3, indicating that England is banking on experienced hands even though Pope's figures against India and Australia have been subpar.

See Also: MLC 2025: Points Table, leading run scorers and wicket takers after NY vs SEA Match 9

Pope, who had last scored 171 against Zimbabwe, has a low average of 22.05 in Tests against top teams, but his average of 35.49 places him in the running. Bethell, promising as he has been with three fifties in three games, will have to wait for his turn. England's lineup is indicative of a strategy in favor of stability and depth for the opening high-stakes game.

On Thursday, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced a 14-member squad for the 1st Test match against India, set to start on June 20 at Headingley Carnegie. ECB has made some bold decisions for the highly anticipated clash. The upcoming ENG vs. IND 5-match Test series will mark a new cycle for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) for both of the teams. Pace bowling allrounder Jamie Overton handed over a shocking recall for the first competition of the series.

Overton was not in their initial plan; a hamstring injury to his Surrey teammate Gus Atkinson paved a path for Overton to make a Test team return. Atkinson is already ruled out of the match due to injury. Jamie made his only Test appearance in Leeds against New Zealand in June 2022. In that match the Englishman scored 97 in the first innings and bagged a couple of wickets.

Due to multiple reasons, including injury concerns, England selectors made multiple changes in the squad. Ben Stokes will lead the team after returning from a hamstring injury; Brydon Carse and Chris Woakes also find their places in the mix. Carse recovered from the toe injury that ruled him out of the Champions Trophy after the opening match, and Wokes was not in the setup for the one-off Test match against Zimbabwe.

Read More: BB vs ETS Dream11 Prediction Match 6 Fantasy Cricket Tips Mumbai T20 League 2025

In 2024, when India last faced England in whites, players like James Anderson, Jonny Bairstow, Ben Foakes, and Ollie Robinson were marked by their presence. While Anderson took retirement , the other three cricketers are not in the setup. 

Series Loading : ◼◼◼◻

Who is the first name in your XI?

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 #ENGvIND 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/YxUeU4Vv3z

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) June 5, 2025

England squad for first Test against India:

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, Josh Tongue, Chris Woakes.

ECB announces the addition of Mark Wood to their squad for the second Test against the West Indies at Trent Bridge. This move comes in the wake of Jimmy Anderson’s retirement, opening up a crucial spot in England’s bowling lineup. As England looks to secure a series win, Wood’s inclusion brings both excitement and strategic advantage to the team.

Jimmy Anderson’s retirement

The retirement of Jimmy Anderson, one of the greatest fast bowlers in cricket history, marks the end of an era for England. Anderson’s departure leaves a significant void in the team, both in terms of skill and experience. His remarkable career, spanning over two decades, saw him become the highest wicket-taker among fast bowlers in Test cricket, leaving behind a legacy that will inspire generations.

See Also: Watch: 34 off last over! Waite helps Worcestershire beat Birmingham with a record cameo followed by 4-wicket haul

The Second test at Trent Bridge

The second Test at Trent Bridge holds immense importance for England as they aim to clinch the series against the West Indies. With Anderson’s retirement, England’s bowling lineup for the second Test features a mix of seasoned campaigners and promising talents.

The competition for the vacant seamer spot includes Mark Wood, Matt Potts, and Dillon Pennington, each bringing unique strengths to the table.

Mark Wood’s recent form

Mark Wood’s recent form has been impressive, showcasing his ability to bowl at high speeds consistently. His performances in the recent series have demonstrated his match-winning potential, making him a strong contender for the seamer spot.

Matt Potts, Wood’s county teammate, and Dillon Pennington from Nottinghamshire are also vying for the seamer spot. Potts has shown considerable promise with his ability to swing the ball both ways, while Pennington, though uncapped, has been in stellar form at the county level.

Gus Atkinson’s debut performance

Gus Atkinson’s debut in the opening Test was nothing short of spectacular, taking 12 wickets and making an indelible mark. Given his performance, Atkinson is likely to retain his place, providing a formidable option in England’s bowling arsenal. His ability to generate pace and movement will be vital in the upcoming match.

England’s spin option

Shoaib Bashir, the spinner in the squad, had a quiet first Test where he did not get an opportunity to bowl. The success of England’s seam attack at Lord’s raises questions about the need for a spinner in the second Test. However, Bashir’s role cannot be discounted, especially if the pitch offers turn or if the conditions change.

West Indies’ performance in first test

The West Indies faced a heavy defeat in the first Test, losing by an innings and 114 runs. Despite the loss, they have several key players who could pose a challenge to England. The team’s performance in the second Test will be critical as they look to bounce back and keep the series alive.

England men’s Test squad:

Ben Stokes (Durham, c), Gus Atkinson (Surrey), Shoaib Bashir (Somerset), Harry Brook (Yorkshire), Zak Crawley (Kent), Ben Duckett (Nottinghamshire), Dan Lawrence (Surrey), Dillon Pennington (Nottinghamshire), Ollie Pope (Surrey), Matthew Potts (Durham), Joe Root (Yorkshire), Jamie Smith (Surrey), Chris Woakes (Warwickshire), Mark Wood (Durham).

Test Series Versus West Indies

1st Test: England v West Indies, 10-14 July 2024, Lord’s Cricket Ground, London – England won by an innings and 114 runs

2nd Test: England v West Indies, 18-22 July 2024, Trent Bridge, Nottingham

3rd Test: England v West Indies, 26-30 July 2024, Edgbaston, Birmingham