Seasoned all-rounder Chris Woakes has been brought back into England's playing eleven for the opening Test against India at Headingley, which begins Friday, in a move by the hosts to give its depth a boost with bat and ball.
Woakes, out of the side for a while due to an ankle injury, rejoins the squad in the place of Sam Cook. His presence at No. 8 gives England much-needed lower-order stability and experience. The change also enables the hosts to include Jamie Smith as a specialist wicketkeeper-batter at No. 7.
In the second change, Brydon Carse replaces Gus Atkinson, who has been forced out with a hamstring issue.
The England think tank has gone for a mix of continuity and experience, preferring Ollie Pope to bat at No. 3 at the expense of young left-hander Jacob Bethell. Pope, the vice-captain, recently hit a dominant 171 against Zimbabwe, backing his claims even as he has a humble record against top-class opposition — his average of just 22.05 from 18 combined Tests against India and Australia compares with a career average of 35.49.
Bethell, a 21-year-old who made headlines last season with three half-centuries against New Zealand last season topping out with a best of 96, being left out indicates that England are focusing on experience and consistency at the top of the order.
England's last XI to play in the series opener has a composite middle order consisting of Joe Root, Harry Brook, and skipper Ben Stokes at its core, while Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett remain as openers. Young off-spinner Shoaib Bashir is also part of the squad, providing balance to the pace-dominated attack.
India, however, are still to announce their playing XI. The Shubman Gill-led unit is also likely to open with a new top order following the retirements of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Vice-captain Rishabh Pant has already confirmed he will bat at No. 5, while skipper Gill is set to don the crucial No. 4 position.
England XI for 1st 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
