England have confirmed their starting lineup for the first Test against India at Headingley, which begins on Friday, June 20. All-rounder Chris Woakes returns to red-ball cricket for the first time since December, while Durham seamer Brydon Carse will play his first Test at home. Carse has played five Tests for the Three Lions, all of which have taken place away from home in Pakistan and New Zealand. Ben Stokes will spearhead a dangerous line-up.

The hosts have kept their normal openers, Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett, to maintain their ‘Bazball’ attacking strategy. Ollie Pope will rank third, followed by Joe Root at number four. Harry Brook starts at number five, but Jacob Bethell is not selected for the first Test.

Stokes and Co. will have a three-pace attack consisting of Woakes, Carse, and Josh Tongue, with Stokes serving as a legitimate fourth option. Shoaib Bashir will be the only spinner in India’s batting lineup. England’s bowling attack appears to be inadequate, and the captain will want to lead from the front throughout the match.

England playing XI for the first Test against India:

⁠Zak Crawley, ⁠Ben Duckett, ⁠Ollie Pope, ⁠Joe Root, ⁠Harry Brook, ⁠Ben Stokes (C), ⁠Jamie Smith (WK), ⁠Chris Woakes, ⁠Brydon Carse, ⁠Josh Tongue, ⁠Shoaib Bashir

Meanwhile, at the pre-match press conference in Leeds, India’s vice-captain Rishabh Pant confirmed that Shubman Gill will bat at No. 4 in red-ball cricket moving forward. Gill takes over the position long held by Virat Kohli. Pant himself will continue at No. 5 in the Indian batting order.