Key Points

England has announced a revamped 14-member squad for their upcoming Test series against India, marking a significant transition in both teams' rosters. The squad features surprising returns like Jamie Overton and reflects substantial changes since their previous series loss in India. Ben Stokes continues to lead the team as captain, guiding a mix of experienced and emerging talents. The series, running from June to August 2025, promises exciting cricket across five iconic English venues.

Key Points: England Names Squad for India Test Series Opener

  • Jamie Overton surprise recall after Gus Atkinson's hamstring injury
  • Ben Stokes leads transformative squad with multiple changes
  • Series marks post-retirement era for Kohli and Rohit
  • First Test starts June 20 at Headingley
2 min read

England announces 14-member squad for series opener against India

England's 14-player squad revealed for crucial first Test against India at Headingley, featuring key returns and changes

"A new chapter begins for English cricket - ECB Selection Panel"

New Delhi June 5

The England Men's selection panel has announced a 14-player squad for the first Test match against India at Headingley, which begins on Friday, 20 June 2025, according to the ECB website.

The series will take place from June to August 2025, with matches at Headingley (Leeds), Edgbaston (Birmingham), Lord's (London), Old Trafford (Manchester), and The Oval (London). This will be India's first bilateral series since both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli announced their retirement from Test cricket earlier this month.

Jamie Overton has been handed a surprise recall to England's squad for the first Test against India after his Surrey team-mate Gus Atkinson was ruled out with a hamstring strain injury.

Jacob Bethell has returned to the squad, while Chris Woakes and Brydon Carse are both back after missing England's win over Zimbabwe with niggles.

England's squad has changed significantly since their 4-1 series defeat in India last year. James Anderson retired shortly after that tour, while Jonny Bairstow, Ben Foakes and Ollie Robinson have also been discarded.

India have also undergone a transition, with R Ashwin, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma all retiring and Shubman Gill taking on the captaincy for the first time.

India, who have not won a Test series in England since 2007, have sent several members of their squad ahead to play for India A against the Lions, and the rest of their touring party will arrive in the UK on Friday.

Prior to the series, there will also be three India 'A' matches against the England Lions. The first unofficial test ended in a draw. The second unofficial test will be played on Friday, June 6, at County Ground, Northampton.

Ben Stokes (Durham) - Captain, Shoaib Bashir (Somerset), Jacob Bethell (Warwickshire), Harry Brook (Yorkshire), Brydon Carse (Durham), Sam Cook (Essex), Zak Crawley (Kent), Ben Duckett (Nottinghamshire), Jamie Overton (Surrey), Ollie Pope (Surrey), Joe Root (Yorkshire), Jamie Smith (Surrey), Josh Tongue (Nottinghamshire), Chris Woakes (Warwickshire).

- ANI

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Reader Comments

Here are 6 authentic Indian perspective comments for the cricket article:
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Rahul K.
Exciting times for Indian cricket with new leadership! While we'll miss Kohli and Rohit, this is Gill's chance to make his mark. England conditions will be tough but our young guns like Jaiswal and Sarfaraz have shown promise. Hope they adapt quickly to the swinging ball! 🇮🇳🏏
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Priya M.
England's squad looks balanced but inexperienced in bowling. Without Anderson, they might struggle against our batters. However, their batting lineup with Root, Brook and Stokes is formidable. Hope BCCI arranged enough practice matches for our team to adjust to English conditions.
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Arjun S.
Why is BCCI still not announcing our squad? England announced theirs weeks ago. This last-minute approach never helps. Also concerned about our pace attack - Bumrah can't do everything alone. Where's the planning for post-Ashwin era? 🤔
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Sneha R.
The India A matches are crucial! Hope selectors are watching closely. Players like Abhimanyu Easwaran deserve a chance after consistent performances. This transition phase is tricky but exciting - new heroes will emerge! #NewEra
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Vikram J.
England's recall of Overton shows their bowling worries. But remember, they're lions at home. Our last series win there was 2007 - too long! This young Indian team has nothing to lose. Play fearless cricket and make the nation proud. 💪
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Neha P.
Mixed feelings about this series. Excited to see new talent but will miss watching Kohli's cover drives in England. Hope the broadcasters show highlights of 2018 series to remind everyone what we're capable of! Best of luck Team India 🏏

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