England’s Test squad is taking shape ahead of their series against India. The 14-man team features some familiar faces, including Jamie Overton, who’s making a comeback after three years. Overton’s only previous Test appearance was against New Zealand in 2022.
Ben Stokes will captain the side, with Brydon Carse also returning to the fold. Jacob Bethell and Chris Woakes are back in the team after last playing a Test in December. Woakes and Carse missed the series against Zimbabwe due to injury.
Gus Atkinson is out of the team after picking up an injury against Zimbabwe last month. The batting unit will rely on Joe Root, Zak Crawley, and Ollie Pope. Youngsters like Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, and Jamie Smith have also been included in the squad.
Right-arm fast bowler Sam Cook could make an impact with his sharp bowling. This series marks the start of the World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle for both teams. India has a new Test captain in Shubman Gill after Rohit Sharma’s retirement.
The England team is:
- 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
This series promises to be an exciting one, with both teams looking to make a strong start to the new World Test Championship cycle.