England Names Playing XI with Woakes Return, Carse Home Debut for First Test vs India

England has announced their playing XI for the opening Test of the five-match series against India at Headingley, marking the start of the 2025–27 World Test Championship cycle. Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett will open the innings, with Ollie Pope retained at number three despite questions about his past performances against India, while young Jacob Bethell misses out due to limited red-ball experience. The lineup features the return of all-rounder Chris Woakes after an injury layoff, who will open the bowling alongside Brydon Carse making his home Test debut, joined by Josh Tongue and spinner Shoaib Bashir to balance the attack. Captain Ben Stokes will bat at six, providing depth with multiple bowling options, while wicketkeeper Jamie Smith continues behind the stumps. India's team, led by Shubman Gill, aims to end their long-standing Test series drought in England, last winning there in 2007. The series opener promises an exciting contest between England's experienced yet dynamic squad and a youthful Indian side in transition.