The Headingley Test between England and India is beautifully poised, and thankfully the weather forecast looks excellent for the 4th day. India finished day three on 90/2, leading by 96 after England responded strongly with 465 in their first innings.
Rain led to an earlier finish on the third evening. However, AccuWeather forecasts for no rain with some intermittent clouds for the fourth day’s play. It will be a cool one for spectators and fans with breezy conditions and a top of just 18 degrees.
Headingley Leeds weather for the 4th Day of the ENG vs IND Test.
Headingley weather for 4th day: What impact will cool weather have on the pitch
The Headingley track showed signs of uneven bounce on day three with a couple of deliveries rearing up off a full length. The deliveries took off and flew way above Rishabh Pant’s head and to the boundary in a flash.
Despite that, plus some turn for Ravindra Jadeja, the pitch was largely still a good one for batting. The cool conditions on Monday could see the surface still hold up pretty well, coupled with how Headingley has favoured chasing teams over the past 10-15 years.
Headingley Leeds weather for the 4th Day of the ENG vs IND Test: Hourly forecast looks good.
However, the mostly dry conditions, plus practice pitches along the outfield, could see reverse swing come into play. This is what England will be banking on even from the first session of play to restrict India, with Ben Stokes and Josh Tongue generating good movement in the air throughout this Test.
India will want KL Rahul and Shubman Gill to get off to a good start. England will be seeking regular wickets. Remember, India’s middle-lower order collapsed in the first innings.
300+ has been chased down four times in Tests at Headingley, most recently by England in the memorable Ashes Test of 2019. If the cool conditions helps keep the pitch intact, Ben Stokes’ team will back themselves to chase a score in that region against an Indian side that continues to rely heavily on Jasprit Bumrah.
Rahul will resume day four on 47*. First innings centurion Shubman Gill is unbeaten on six.
England fans have criticised their team’s bowling in the first innings of the series opener against India at Headingley. After opting to bowl – a decision based on recent history rather than looking at the pitch at hand – England struggled for control and penetration as India piled on the runs.
It speaks volumes that Ben Stokes has been, by far, England’s best and most threatening bowler. Chris Woakes lacked control and Brydon Carse also mixed the good with the bad, while questions intensify regarding Josh Tongue’s readiness for Test cricket at this stage.
The first session on day two was easily England’s best to date. After India plundered 359/3 on the first day, Stokes’ team picked up four wickets before lunch on Saturday. Shubman Gill’s wicket came against the run of play off spinner Shoaib Bashir, while Karun Nair was caught magnificently by Ollie Pope at cover. Tongue had his best moment against Rishabh Pant, causing confusion with a sharp inswinger from around the wicket, before Shardul Thakur threw his wicket away to Stokes in the final over before lunch.
However, despite the fightback which saw India reduced to 454/7, England fans are critical of the makeup of the attack as three Indian players made centuries. While the Headingley track is a belter for batting, the lack of consistency and control – the kind James Anderson provided in spades – was telling. In fact, Anderson has been mentioned across X by fans who believe that England should have a better succession plan in place.
England fans critical of bowling effort in 1st Test against India at Leeds
England’s decision to bowl first came for criticism, as did the bowling performance. “It would be awkward if they had to recall Anderson in the Anderson-Tendulkar cup,” one fan wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
“I still can’t fathom how you’re building for the future dropping Jimmy Anderson and replacing him with 37 year old Chris Woakes,” wrote another fan.
Here are some of the reactions to the England bowling performance.
I still can't fathom how you're building for the future dropping Jimmy Anderson and replacing him with 37 year old chris woakes.
As good as Ben Stokes is, the fact he has been far and away England best bowler so far tells you all you need to know about our bowling Yes we have fast bowler injuries but this has been well below standard. Broad is there, fake a concussion injury and get him bowling #ENGvsIND
Stokes is a superb onfield tactician but gets too many big strategic calls wrong to be considered an elite captain. Wellington follow on, Edgbaston declaration, toss today. You'd want him leading a platoon to storm a bunker, but you probably wouldn't let him near planning D-Day.
India begin the second session looking to reach 500 after a terrific start. England will no doubt look to attack with the bat, and it will be fascinating to see what Jasprit Bumrah can get out of the Headingley surface.
Shaheen Afridi has grabbed the cricketing headlines in Australia as Brisbane Heat acquired his services during the KFC Big Bash League 15 Draft. Brisbane Heat were quick to get the pacer as he was their first pick on Thursday in Melbourne. Also, several other star cricketers from Pakistan were picked by various teams during the BBL 15 overseas player draft.
The likes of Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Shadab Khan, and Haris Rauf will be seen playing against each other during the Australian summer. Thus, the BBL 2025/26 tournament will garner plenty of interest from Pakistan.
Brisbane Heat coach Johan Botha is very pleased to have the star pacer in his side. The former South African captain has been a part of various T20 leagues including the Pakistan Super League (PSL), and has an impressive CV as a T20 player. He has coached several franchises across the globe too.
During an exclusive interview with Arvind Kalyana Krishnan for CricBlog during the BBL 15 Draft, Johan Botha expressed his excitement about getting Shaheen. Also, the former Proteas all-rounder drew light on the prospect of all the Pakistani players playing against one another, and the amount of fan following they have. Botha stated that it was a big tick for the BBL in terms of popularising the tournament.
Further on, the 43-year-old spoke about South Africa winning the World Test Championship. As a former South African cricketer and skipper himself, Botha felt that the “Rainbow Nation” winning their second ICC tournament was massive for the cricketing world.
He also spoke about how some of the Proteas players still rate Test cricket very highly and want to continue playing the longest format of the game. The Temba Bavuma-led side had beaten Australia at Lord’s during the WTC 2025 Final with Aiden Markram hitting a scintillating century in the fourth innings to deny the Pat Cunmins-led side their second WTC title.
Pakistan players a big tick for the BBL – Johan Botha
Below is the entire exclusive interview between Arvind Kalyana Krishnan and Johan Botha, both in video and text format.
Arvind Kalyana Krishnan: Now that Afridi is with Brisbane, how excited are you in terms of popularity? The amount of fans he can get to your team?
Johan Botha: We’ve very excited. You know, I think the whole BBL now! With Babar going to Sydney, Shadab is back, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Rizwan…..I think that’s a big tick for the Big Bash. I think it’ll bring a lot of interest, and especially when you have those guys play against each other, I think that you will get crowds in through the gates and that’s ultimately what it is. It’s entertainment and we’re look into those match-ups. You know I’ve been at PSL quite a lot and it’s exciting to see the best players going against each other.
Arvind Kalyana Krishnan: South Africa won the WTC, so how impactful is that for world cricket?
Johan Botha: It’s massive. You know, following that over the last few days obviously. A huge win for South Africa. Their rugby has done so well for a long time and it’s nice to finally see the cricket guys get over the line and it’s huge for cricket. Even those guys in the team speaking about important Test cricket still is. You know when I was there and playing, you always felt that guys want to play One-day cricket to playing franchise cricket, but it’s great to hear that top players still speak so highly of Test cricket and yeah, it’s exciting and hopefully that you know those young guys can come through and play Test cricket for South Africa.
Marnus Labuschagne has been dropped from the Australia team for the first Test against West Indies in Barbados. Labuschagne’s lean run of form in the 2023-25 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle left him needing a huge performance in the final against South Africa, which unfortunately did not come.
Sam Konstas takes his place at the top of the order, marking the 19-year-old’s first Test outside Australia.
Marnus Labuschagne dropped, Steve Smith out of the first Test vs West Indies due to injury
George Bailey, Chair of Selectors, said the management will continue to work with Labuschagne to ensure he gets back to his best. Australia’s number three managed 974 runs at just 27.82 since the WTC 2023 Final.
“Marnus at his best can be a really important member of this team. He understands his output hasn’t been at the level we, or he, expects,” Bailey said, as quoted by sen.com.au.
“We will continue working with him on the areas of his game we feel he needs to rediscover. We continue to value his skill and expect him to work through the challenge positively.”
In other news, Steve Smith will miss the first Test due to injury. He suffered a nasty compound dislocation to the little finger in his right hand attempting to take a catch close in at slip during the WTC Final. However, he remains a chance of returning in the second Test.
“Steve needs more time for the wound to heal so we’ll give him another week’s rest and assess his functionality after that,” Bailey said.
Josh Inglis will replace Smith in the XI. Inglis has been impressive for Australia, including in Sri Lanka earlier this year where he struck a century on debut.
“We have made the decision to give Josh and Sam the opportunity to replace Steve and Marnus,” Bailey said. “We are excited to see them get the chance to further their fledgling Test careers.”
The three-match series between West Indies and Australia begins on June 25 in Barbados. Australia will confirm who bats where closer to the match.
Australia possible XI for first Test vs West Indies: 1. Usman Khawaja, 2. Sam Konstas, 3. Cameron Green, 4. Josh Inglis, 5. Travis Head, 6. Beau Webster, 7. Alex Carey (wk), 8. Pat Cummins (c), 9. Mitchell Starc, 10. Nathan Lyon, 11. Josh Hazlewood
The Headingley pitch is a key topic of focus ahead of the first Test between England and India. The toss could prove to be important given recent trends at the ground, plus the green-looking nature of the surface.
Photos have emerged on social media of the Headingley pitch a day out from the first Test. There is a significant covering of grass, much of which may be trimmed down further before play gets underway on Friday.
Heavens! Goodness! Crikey! Nothing to see here! (Delete as appropriate.) Leeds. One day out. pic.twitter.com/rV7MgDEMqn
Headingley pitch report for 1st Test of the 2025 series between England and India
The first two days are forecast to be very warm. The grass on the surface will help the track stay intact for longer. This should make batting quite pleasant on day three in particular.
Chasing sides have won seven Tests in this period, compared to just four for teams batting first. So, expect the captain who wins the toss to bowl and try make use of the green surface on day one before the dry conditions play its part.
Headingley pitch report for ENG vs IND 1st Test 2025: The first two days will be warm.
In fact, it has been a very dry period in Leeds, with a lack of rain since February. According to Richard Robinson, Yorkshire’s head of ground, the Headingley pitch should offer assistance on day one before flattening out. As per a ESPNcricinfo report, he expects the track to “do a little bit” on the first day and then ease out due to the temperatures around 30 degrees on days one and two.
“They (England) just want to have a good surface so it’s true, really, so we can hit through the line of the ball,” Robinson said. “That’s really what they’re looking for.”
India are aiming to win their first Test series in England since 2007. It won’t be easy with the retirements of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and R Ashwin in recent months. However, it is an opportunity for new players to stand up and be counted.
That being said, England will be seeking to make the perfect start to the new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. They have missed the final in each of the first three cycles, and with Ben Stokes stating that “it’s about winning” in the leadup to the Headingley Test, we can expect a focused England.
Ben Stokes is looking forward to the Test series with India kicking off tomorrow 👀🏴 pic.twitter.com/0pC9IJJBuC
“We’re very quick in this country, particularly with our cricket team, to move on players,” Paine said on SEN. “We always want to see if the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence.”
Quality players are extremely hard to replace – Tim Paine
Paine went on to point out that Australia have struggled to replace David Warner, and risk the same fate if they drop one or both of Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne.
“If we’ve learnt nothing out of the last 18 months to two years… it’s that players of that quality are extremely hard to replace,” Paine said.
“David Warner, if you look back to just before he retired… the six months leading into that… the guy is one of our best ever cricketers, and everyone in the media and the casual cricket watchers are like ‘he’s gotta go, he’s gotta go’.
“We’re two years down the track and we still haven’t cemented his replacement. That’s how hard these guys are to find and replace. So you don’t just have a bad Test in England (WTC Final) and then dump players of Khawaja and Marnus’ quality.”
Khawaja and Labuschagne found the going difficult in the 2023-25 WTC cycle, often dismissed in similar fashion behind the wicket. Khawaja’s 1,428 runs at 39.66 looks good on paper, but his average drops to 25.35 against pace since the start of 2024. Labuschagne managed 974 runs at just 27.82 overall.
It was a similar story for David Warner at the backend of his Test career. Warner managed 1,542 runs in his last 50 innings at an average of 31.5, well down on his career average of 44.59.
However, Paine has backed Khawaja and Labuschagne to come good over the next 12 months, headlined by a huge Ashes series.
“They [Khawaja and Labuschagne] are a huge part of that team for the next year at least being successful with what’s around the corner and the quality of cricket, particularly with England coming out for the Ashes,” Paine said.
“Those high-quality international players do not grow on trees. We’ve learnt that post-Warner retirement, we’ve learnt that post-Warne retirement. Great players are hard to replace, and I am backing both of those two to have a big 12 months.”
Interestingly, Paine landed a significant coaching role with Cricket Australia, according to a CODE Sports report on June 19.
Australia’s next assignment is a three-match series in West Indies starting on Wednesday June 25 in Barbados.
England squad for 1st India Test: 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 (WK), Josh Tongue, Chris Woakes
ENG vs IND 1st Test 2025 Preview: Recent form of England and India in Test cricket.
ENG vs IND 1st Test 2025 Preview:
Match Details
When: 20 June 2025 – 24 June 2025. Where: Headingley, Leeds.
Headingley, Leeds Venue Analysis and Pitch Report
Venue Analysis:
In the two Tests played in the two years before COVID, 69 wickets fell at an average of just 22.10. In contrast, the three Tests played since the pandemic have seen 100 wickets fall, but at a significantly higher average of 30.77 — a jump of 8.67 runs per wicket. The scoring rate has also climbed from 3.16 to 3.63 runs per over. The last time India played at Headingley, back in 2021, they were bundled out for just 78 runs in 40.4 overs in the first innings. Full scorecard: https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/india-tour-of-england-2021-2022-1239527/england-vs-india-3rd-test-1239545/full-scorecard
Headingley has traditionally favoured slightly fuller lengths, making it a “pitch it up” venue. In recent years, the surface has also tended to be a little on the drier side.
England have a 100% record at this venue since 2021, winning all three Tests — and interestingly, all after fielding first.
In fact, since 2010, teams chasing have won seven Tests at Headingley, while those batting first have won only four, making it more of a “win the toss, bowl first” venue. Even the innings-wise numbers back this up — batting becomes progressively easier as the match goes on.
ENG vs IND 1st Test 2025 Preview: Batting gets easier at Headingley as matches go on.
Add to it that there has hardly been any rain in Leeds since February.
“They (England) just want to have a good surface so it’s true, really, so we can hit through the line of the ball,” said Richard Robinson, Yorkshire’s head of grounds. “That’s really what they’re looking for.” As per ESPNcricinfo, Richard expects it to “do a little bit” on the first day and to flatten out quite quickly because of the heat expected.
The forecast for the Test is for it to get hotter, closer to 30 degrees, but it is not likely to break up the surface, which can make it rewarding for the side bowling first.
India’s Predicted XI for 1st Test against England
Rishabh Pant confirmed in the press conference that Shubman Gill will drop down to number four, with Pant himself set to bat at five. There’s still some deliberation around who takes the number three spot.
Rishabh Pant confirms he'll bat at No. 5 for India at Headingley, with new captain Shubman Gill at No. 4. Says discussions still ongoing re No. 3.
At the moment, Karun Nair appears to be the frontrunner. After scoring a double century against the England Lions, he batted at number three for India in the tour game against India A, and has also been fielding at first slip during practice. There’s also a slim chance that Sudharsan could slot in at three, with Nair shifting to the middle order. Or perhaps Sudharsan – who initially was the frontrunner to bat at three – could be considered for the number six spot, which still remains up for grabs, though highly unlikely.
The other strong middle-order contender is Dhruv Jurel, who scored 227 runs in four innings for India A, including three consecutive half-centuries. He also impressed during the tour of Australia.
However, although Reddy looked rusty in both India A games, given India’s preference for depth in both departments under Gautam Gambhir, Nitish Kumar Reddy — who scored nearly 300 runs, including a century, on his debut tour in Australia — could get the nod and slot in at six. As per Revsportz, he also bowled a significant number of overs in India’s first official practice session at Beckenham, signalling his rise as a serious candidate for a spot in the first XI.
“The more bowling options we can have, that’s great. He’s skillful. He’s a guy that can bowl that magical ball, so for him it’s about creating that consistency, it’s something we want to work on, it’s important for his game as well,” India bowling coach Morne Morkel said of Reddy. “I’ve had conversations where I’ve challenged him to bowl a bit more.
“I want to see the ball more in his hands, we all know what he can do with the bat. For a team, if we can have the bowling options especially in these conditions, I think he’ll be exciting and can complement this bowling attack.”
With Bumrah, Siraj, and Prasidh expected to start as the three seamers, only the number eight spot remains up for grabs. Once again, given India’s preference for depth, Shardul Thakur may get the nod as the seam-bowling all-rounder
Yashasvi Jaiswal
KL Rahul
Karun Nair
Shubman Gill (c)
Rishabh Pant (wk)
Nitish Kumar Reddy
Ravindra Jadeja
Shardul Thakur
Jasprit Bumrah
Mohammed Siraj
Prasidh Krishna
However, I personally would prefer Kuldeep Yadav over Shardul Thakur. While Thakur certainly offers more with the bat, winning Test matches ultimately comes down to taking 20 wickets — and Kuldeep gives you that cutting edge. That’s not to say Thakur is ineffective with the ball; in fact, he had a very solid Ranji Trophy season (with both bat and ball). But in the recent A games against the England Lions, he looked off-colour, managing just two wickets in 43 overs and struggling to maintain the same intensity across spells.
Also, as mentioned earlier, the surface at Headingley has tended to be on the drier side of late — another factor that supports Kuldeep’s inclusion. In fact, Jarrod Kimber also pointed out in this podcast that this has been one of the driest summers in the UK, making it difficult for groundskeepers to retain moisture in the pitches.
Kuldeep has also shown he can stick around with the bat. Since 2022, he has averaged 57 balls per dismissal (and 20.71 runs) across nine Test innings. However, it’s worth noting that all those innings came in Asia.
If at all India want a proper all-rounder at No. 8, keeping the conditions in mind, they also have the option of turning to Washington Sundar.
England’s XI (announced)
Ben Duckett
Zak Crawley
Ollie Pope
Joe Root
Harry Brook
Ben Stokes (c)
Jamie Smith (wk)
Chris Woakes
Brydon Carse
Shoaib Bashir
Josh Tongue
All key player notes for England have already been covered in this piece.
Key Matchups
Shubman Gill vs. Chris Woakes
Although Gill has never faced Woakes in Test cricket, this could be a fascinating battle. Woakes has revitalised his career by mastering the wobble seam delivery, becoming more effective even away from home. Gill, on the other hand, has long struggled against deliveries that come back into him, and Woakes’ nip-backer could pose a serious challenge.
However, Gill might benefit from his new role at four. Ahead of him in the order are the resolute KL Rahul — who, even if not scoring big, tends to soak up plenty of deliveries with his disciplined leaves and solid defence — and an in-form Karun Nair. If they blunt the new ball, Gill could walk in once conditions are a touch easier, giving him a better platform to counter Woakes and the rest of the English attack.
Yashasvi Jaiswal vs. Chris Woakes
At times, Jaiswal tends to play across his front pad. Woakes might look to set him up with a series of deliveries shaping away, before slipping in a fuller one that nips back in and hits him on the pad. It’s a ploy he executed effectively in the England Lions vs India A match, trapping Yashasvi lbw.
Joe Root vs. Jasprit Bumrah
Unarguably the marquee battle of the series — and one that could well define it. Two modern-day greats, both in sublime form, going head-to-head. Bumrah vs. Root promises to be nothing short of epic.
So far, Root has scored 286 runs off Bumrah in Tests at an average of 31.8, but Bumrah has dismissed him nine times — the third-most by any bowler in Root’s Test career.
BazBall vs. non-Bumrah Indian pacers
We’ve seen in the past that bowlers like Siraj and Shardul can lose their radar when put under pressure — something England will almost certainly look to exploit. The likely plan? Play out Bumrah, while going after the rest.
Prasidh Krishna did show improved line control in the IPL, but whether that carries over to the red-ball format — where consistency across long spells is key — remains to be seen. A key factor will be how the seamers, especially Siraj (who, unlike in the Australia tour last year, isn’t overworked coming into this series), hold up. Their response could very well decide how India fare with the ball.
BazBall vs. Kuldeep Yadav
Kuldeep has been in excellent rhythm lately. Ever since tweaking his action, he’s been getting more overspin on the ball, which could draw English batters into false shots, especially while sweeping. The drier surfaces this time around could well work in his favour if he gets the opportunity to play.
Harry Brook vs. Ravindra Jadeja
Brook has had his fair share of struggles against left-arm spin across formats, making his battle with Ravindra Jadeja fascinating — not just in this Test, but across the entire series.
A number of Pakistan players will feature in the 2025/26 season of the Big Bash League (BBL). The BBL draft, which took place on June 19, saw a number of teams prioritise Pakistani players due to their availability and significant experience in T20s.
Here is a list of the Pakistan cricketers plus the teams they will play for in the upcoming season.
Which Pakistan players will feature in the BBL 2025/26 season?
Player
Team
Babar Azam
Sydney Sixers
Mohammad Rizwan
Melbourne Renegades
Hassan Khan
Melbourne Renegades
Shaheen Shah Afridi
Brisbane Heat
Haris Rauf
Melbourne Stars
Hassan Ali
Adelaide Strikers
Shadab Khan
Sydney Thunder
Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan will play for Sydney Sixers and Melbourne Renegades respectively. Both will be important cogs for their teams, with Rizwan in particular tasked with taking the Renegades from underachievement to title contention.
The Renegades also picked up Hassan Khan. The left-arm spinner has an economy rate of just 7.80 in 79 T20s, along with a batting strike rate of 138.93.
The other notable pick is Shaheen Shah Afridi to the Brisbane Heat. The tall left-arm seamer should enjoy conditions at the Gabba, where bounce and new-ball swing is a common sight.
Shadab Khan to the Sydney Thunder can prove to be a very shrewd pick. The Thunder play a number of their home games on the slow, spin-friendly ENGIE Stadium in Western Sydney, which makes Shadab an important asset. Also, the all-rounder can bat in the top five.
In other news, Haris Rauf was retained by Melbourne Stars. Rauf has enjoyed memorable moments with the Stars, and the men in green will be hoping for a big season from the fast bowler.
Hassan Ali (Adelaide Strikers) will also have an important role to play. The seamer will be called on for his defensive skills at the batting-friendly Adelaide Oval as the Strikers aim to make their way up the table after finishing bottom last season.
Jamie Overton has made a surprise return to England’s Test squad for the series opener against India, stepping in after his Surrey teammate Gus Atkinson was ruled out with a hamstring injury.
Overton, whose sole Test appearance came at Headingley against New Zealand in 2022 — coincidentally the venue for the upcoming first Test on June 20 — made a game-changing 97 and claimed a wicket in each innings during that match. Despite playing only three County Championship games since the start of last season due to injuries and IPL commitments, he has leapfrogged Matthew Potts in the pecking order as a backup seam option.
“We’ve spoken many times about our varied attack, and making sure that we’ve still got some pace in the attack,” Luke Wright, England’s selector, said. “Jamie showed in white-ball cricket that he’s got a huge amount of pace and bounce, and he’s a real threat.
Initially, England had hoped Atkinson would recover in time for the first Test, but he has now officially been ruled out, depleting their seam-bowling resources.
England squad for 1st India Test: 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
England squad analysis for 1st Test vs India: Hosts dealing with injuries on the bowling front
Since 2022, no seamer has taken more Test wickets for England than Atkinson.
Mark Wood and Olly Stone are both out of the series with knee injuries, while Jofra Archer will not be match-fit until the second Test at the earliest after a thumb issue.
Sam Cook, who made his debut in the Zimbabwe Test, retains his place in the squad but is likely to start the India series as a reserve. Chris Woakes returns to contention after recovering from an ankle injury. Also included is Josh Tongue, who missed the entire 2024 season due to injury but featured in the England Lions’ match against India A at Northampton — alongside Woakes — as part of preparations for the first Test.
Potts is arguably the unluckiest absentee, having been named in squads for all formats this summer, including the Zimbabwe Test in which Cook was selected ahead of him.
“It’s really tough on Pottsy,” Wright said. “It was probably between him and Cookie for that other spare bowler, if we were to lose Woakesy, and we just felt that maybe Cookie has got the edge with that new ball. But we know what Potts is all about. It’s not easy for him, but it’s great to have him as a squad bowler in the pack, if any injuries happen. But on this occasion, he’s just missed out.”
Meanwhile, Jacob Bethell returns after missing the Zimbabwe Test due to IPL commitments, posing a selection dilemma for England. He impressed in his debut series in New Zealand, where he scored three fifties batting at No. 3, which had cast doubts over the places of Zak Crawley and Ollie Pope. However, both Crawley and Pope responded with centuries against Zimbabwe and may retain their spots for now.
“He’s very close,” Wright said of Bethell’s potential return to the starting XI. “It’s a great option to have, isn’t it? It’s lovely to have him back, what a talent we all see in him. When Baz and Stokesy took on these roles, we were really struggling as a batting group to get runs on the board, and we’re getting to a point now where we’re getting real depth into that squad, which is fantastic.”
England predicted XI for 1st Test against India
1. Ben Duckett, 2. Zak Crawley, 3. Ollie Pope, 4. Joe Root, 5. Harry Brook, 6. Ben Stokes (c), 7. Jamie Smith (wk), 8. Chris Woakes, 9. Brydon Carse, 10. Shoaib Bashir, 11. Josh Tongue
The England team analysed: Player Notes and Key Stats
Ben Duckett: Since his Test comeback in 2022, he’s scored 2,300 runs at an average of 45.09, with 5 centuries and 12 fifties — the sixth-highest run-scorer in Tests in this period. What truly stands out, though, is the pace at which he scores: among batters with a minimum of 25 Test innings since 2022, no one has a higher strike rate than Ben Duckett (joint-top with Harry Brook at 88.90). He’s coming off a fluent 140 off 134 balls against Zimbabwe in Nottingham.
Zak Crawley: In 2021, he averaged just 10.81 across 16 Test innings — he was thinking too much of his defence, with Silverwood as the coach. Since McCullum took over in May 2022, both his average and strike rate have seen a lift – he’s averaged 38.70 in England at a strike rate of 77.29. He also had a successful tour of India, scoring 407 runs in 5 Tests at an average of 40.70 (SR: 68.51). He too is coming off a century against Zimbabwe.
Ollie Pope: Whenever his career seems to be on a downhill path, he finds a way to respond with an innings of substance — like he did thrice last year, notching up 3 centuries (in 30 innings) despite averaging just 33.13in 2024, lower than his career average of 35.49. Bethell may be the better player, but England continue picking Pope — and they likely will for the 1st Test too, especially after that 171 off 166 against Zimbabwe.
Joe Root: No player has scored more Test runs since the start of 2020 than Joe Root — 5647 at an average of 54.29, with 19 centuries and 20 fifties. The next best? Marnus Labuschagne, a staggering 2436 runs behind.
Harry Brook: Since his debut in 2022, Harry Brook has averaged over 50 in every calendar year in Test cricket. However, 7 of his 8 Test centuries have come away from home. He’ll be keen to improve on his modest average of 39 in England. Technique-wise, Brook has a backfoot trigger, and while his front foot often doesn’t get to the pitch of the ball, his fast hands, strong wrists, and sharp reflexes usually compensate brilliantly.
Ben Stokes: For all the hype the English media builds around Stokes, here’s what his Test (batting) record has actually looked like over the past few years:
Jamie Smith: Technically the best English batter after Joe Root, he’s already crafted some fine innings across varied conditions — dealing with nip off the seam, swing through the air, some bounce, and even turn. He’s averaging 42.73 (SR: 72.42) in his brief Test career so far. He has the potential to bat higher up the order. Jamie Smith said, “Opening against WI was ‘great practice’ for India Tests.”
Chris Woakes: While Woakes averages 48.93away from home, he boasts a stellar average of 21.59in England. He’s been especially lethal of late; Since 2020, he’s averaged just 19.65 in home Tests. In particular, he’s using the wobble-seam delivery more. He has somewhat turned into a wobble-seam specialist.
Brydon Carse: He was the highest wicket taker on the New Zealand tour, picking up 18 wickets in just 3 Tests — including a 10-wicket haul. In his debut series in Pakistan, he led the attack again with 9 wickets at 24.33. Yet to feature in a Test at home, he’s already emerged as one of their more dependable seamers — a hit-the-deck bowler seam (not swing) bowler, who can be their workhorse.
Shoaib Bashir: Interestingly, Bashir’s numbers are better at home than overseas. In England, he’s taken 24 wickets at an average of 28.50, while away from home, his 34 wickets have come at 41.97. His overall numbers might not be the most impressive yet, but he’s still young and relatively raw, with limited FC experience. While he has bowled a fair share of loose deliveries in his Test career so far, his bowling against Zimbabwe showed better control, which is an encouraging sign for England.
Josh Tongue: One of the most talented fast bowlers in England. He gets movement off the pitch, alongside bounce.
Former South Africa fast bowler Allan Donald has praised Temba Bavuma’s team for their spirited performance in the World Test Championship (WTC) Final against Australia at Lord’s. In an exclusive chat with CricBlog, Donald spoke of the Proteas’ never-say-die attitude, and lauded the team from how they fought back from a very difficult position in the first innings.
Donald, who was the centre of South African sporting heartbreak 26 years ago, says this victory slams the door shut on those years of near misses.
This WTC win can lead to more success for South Africa – Allan Donald
Check out the audio and transcript of our interview with Allan Donald following South Africa’s triumph in the WTC Final.
On the significance of the win…
“It’s a massive, massive day in South African cricket, it’s a massive day in South African sport. It’s something that unites this country so closely. To get that over the line shuts the door that’s over 30-odd years old.
Or maybe I’ve jumped the years a little bit, but it’s something that’s taken a lot of pain away as you know. Not really going to go into that detail (laughs), but you know what I’m talking about with us and ICC events.
This team, this group have shown, in the Test Championship, in the cycle, that they’ve had to win eight Test matches in a row… just showed immense character, immense character.”
On Kagiso Rabada’s brilliance…
“Second time round, with the ball, when they had to come out and they’re under the pump 70-odd runs ahead (Australia) and to have this bowling attack fired up by KG Rabada once again… I just knew that KG Rabada was up for it, you just knew he was going to put in a very good performance.
I didn’t expect nine wickets but I think everything that’s been said about him in the press has been well documented and the way he came out first innings five-for and almost a ten-for at Lord’s was inspirational… very inspirational.
He stood up and bounced back hard. He didn’t need much fire in the belly to do that. I just knew he was going to come out firing.”
Kagiso Rabada was outstanding in the WTC Final – Allan Donald
How this win can lead to more success for South Africa…
“But this team has shown… they’ve broken this deadlock now. I think this will… and hopefully open the door for more success. I already look forward to the 2027 (ODI) World Cup, I think it’s going to be a really interesting one. This group will be together. The white-ball group. A lot of those players who played today will be involved in that World Cup.”
Past pain and how South Africa showed up when it really mattered…
“I think today… for the team it will take some time to sink in. It really is a day for the past players who were involved in the ’99 World Cup and the guys who followed them, will know how close it was to be in the final, but I think we can safely say now that gate is now shut.
Well done to this group. They deserve it. They worked so hard. And to have done what they have done… you can say a lot of other teams will say they haven’t played against the very best and all this other stuff. I don’t care. They got into the final and when it needed them to produce, they did. That’s all that matters. They did. And they needed to front up with their backs against the wall. They showed again what ‘refuse to lose’ means to these guys. They are going to come and they’re going to come hard, come again, bounce back strong, which they did.
We’re all very, very proud of that. They got a few days to get their breath back and then they’ve got another series coming up very shortly against Zimbabwe in Zimbabwe, so I’m pretty sure that they’re going to celebrate hard tonight (Saturday) that’s for sure.”
