Breaking News: England announce 14-member squad for first test against India; Ben Stokes to lead

Ankitjit Singh is a Sub-Editor at Khel Now, known for his in-depth knowledge of cricket.

Published at :June 5, 2025 at 2:41 PM

Modified at :June 5, 2025 at 5:32 PM

(Courtesy : ECB)

England Cricket Team will be captained by Ben Stokes in the test series against India.

England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on Thursday, 5th June, announced the England Cricket Team squad for the first test of the five-match series against the Indian Cricket Team. The series between the teams is all set to begin on 20th June at Headingley in Leeds and will conclude with the fifth test, starting 31st July, at the Kia Oval in London.

England Cricket Team will be captained by Ben Stokes while Jamie Overton has returned to the side after June 2022. The all-rounder last played for the side in a test during the game against New Zealand at Headingley, which was also his debut match for the Three Lions.

Apart from Jamie Overton, Brydon Carse, Jacob Bethell and Chris Woakes are included in the squad as well. They last played during the away series against New Zealand in December last year. The trio will be holding key for the team in the first test as they have been brilliant for the side.

In what will be the big blow, fast bowler Gus Atkinson has been ruled out of the first game due to an injury. He suffered a right hamstring injury during the recent one-off test against Zimbabwe at Trent Bridge and there is no clarity if he will be there for the last four games or not.

The rest of the England Cricket Team squad for the test series against the Indian Cricket Team is similar to what they had against Zimbabwe. Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley are the openers while Harry Brook, Joe Root, Ollie Pope and others will be handling the middle order.

England squad for the first test against India

Ben Stokes (C), 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

Schedule of the England vs India test series

20-24 June 2025 – 1st Test, Headingley

2-6 July 2025 – 2nd Test, Edgbaston

10-14 July 2025 – 3rd Test, Lord’s

23-27 July 2025 – 4th Test, Emirates Old Trafford

31 July-4 August 2025 – 5th Test, Kia Oval

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Ankitjit Singh

Ankitjit Singh is a dedicated sports journalist whose childhood dream was to play cricket—now, he serves the game through his work. With over three years of experience in reporting, writing, and editing, he brings deep insight to his coverage. A journalism graduate from Delhi University, Ankitjit’s passion for cricket took root during his college days and continues to drive his career.