England vs India Test Series 2025: Ollie Pope Confirmed as No. 3 Batter for Opening Match

England vs India Test Series 2025: Ollie Pope Retains No. 3 Spot for First Test at Headingley

The highly anticipated England vs India Test Series 2025 kicks off on June 20 at Headingley, and England has confirmed its playing XI with Ollie Pope holding on to the critical No. 3 batting position. Despite growing calls to introduce young star Jacob Bethell, England’s management has shown faith in Pope’s experience ahead of the five-match showdown with India.

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England vs India Test Series 2025: Pope Gets the Nod Over Bethell

In what many considered a tough selection call, vice-captain Ollie Pope has been confirmed as England’s No. 3 for the opening Test of the England vs India Test Series 2025. Pope, who had an inconsistent run last year, faces mounting pressure to deliver, especially with Bethell’s promising form making waves in recent months.

Bethell’s Test performances in New Zealand and his recent white-ball success had raised serious questions about Pope’s place in the lineup. However, selectors have backed Pope, citing his recent century against Zimbabwe and his leadership role in the squad.

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Bowling Line-Up for England vs India Test Series 2025

England’s bowling attack for the first Test has also been finalized. Brydon Carse and Chris Woakes return to open the bowling after missing the Zimbabwe series due to injury. They’ll be joined by Josh Tongue and Shoaib Bashir, who retain their spots following solid performances.

Carse, who will be playing his first home Test, expressed his excitement about the opportunity. “Playing a home Test at Headingley against India is a dream. I’ve bowled with the new ball before and I feel confident taking on that role,” he said.

The pace unit lacks veterans like James Anderson and Mark Wood, but the squad remains optimistic. Rishabh Pant, India’s wicketkeeper-batter, acknowledged the shift: “It’s definitely a relief not facing Anderson and Broad, but England still has a strong attack.”

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England’s Playing XI for the First Test

Here’s England’s confirmed XI for the first Test of the England vs India Test Series 2025:

1. Zak Crawley
2. Ben Duckett
3. Ollie Pope
4. Joe Root
5. Harry Brook
6. Ben Stokes (Captain)
7. Jamie Smith (Wicketkeeper)
8. Chris Woakes
9. Brydon Carse
10. Josh Tongue
11. Shoaib Bashir

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England vs India Test Series 2025: Selection Debates and Squad Depth

Jacob Bethell’s exclusion has stirred debate. The 21-year-old impressed in New Zealand with three half-centuries and showed his class against the West Indies in ODIs. However, Bethell missed the Zimbabwe Test due to IPL commitments, allowing Pope to seize the moment with a commanding 171-run innings.

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum have chosen to remain loyal to Pope, possibly viewing his recent form and vice-captaincy as critical during the high-stakes England vs India Test Series 2025. With the Ashes on the horizon, Pope’s performance against India could define his Test future.

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India’s New-Look Squad for the England Tour

India, meanwhile, enters the England vs India Test Series 2025 with a reshuffled lineup following the retirements of stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Shubman Gill will lead the side, with Rishabh Pant confirmed to bat at No. 5.

India’s squad is full of emerging talent, but the absence of two world-class batters has changed the dynamics. England pacer Carse noted, “India still has a strong squad, and while they’ve lost experience, they bring new challenges we’re preparing for.”

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Tragedy Looms Over the Series Opener

The series begins on a somber note, following the Ahmedabad air crash that claimed the lives of 241 passengers, including 52 Britons. The England and India teams will wear black armbands, and a moment of silence will precede the national anthems at Headingley.

India’s Rishabh Pant addressed the tragedy during a press conference, saying, “It was a heartbreaking event for the entire nation. We hope that through this series, we can bring some joy and pride back to the people of India.”

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Pace Depth and Injury Updates

While England appears confident, injuries remain a concern. Gus Atkinson is recovering from a hamstring issue and may return later in the England vs India Test Series 2025. Meanwhile, Jofra Archer is edging closer to a long-awaited red-ball return after overcoming a thumb injury. He may feature in the second or third Test if he proves his fitness with Sussex in county cricket.

Chris Woakes, who has just returned from injury, will be a key figure. Known for his swing bowling in English conditions, Woakes’ performance alongside Carse could dictate England’s control with the new ball.

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Conclusion: High Stakes, Big Expectations

The England vs India Test Series 2025 promises thrilling cricket, intense rivalries, and high individual stakes. For Ollie Pope, it’s a chance to solidify his place; for Jacob Bethell, it’s motivation to push harder. On the Indian side, a new generation of players will try to make their mark in challenging overseas conditions.

With both teams facing transitions, the first Test at Headingley sets the tone for a series that could redefine careers and shape the future of Test cricket for both nations.

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