England Test Squad 2025, The wait is finally over! Cricket fans around the globe are gearing up for an electrifying clash as England hosts India for a five-match Test series starting June 20, 2025. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has dropped their 14-member squad bombshell, and guess what? There are some big surprises, major comebacks, and plenty of young blood in the mix.
If you love cricket spiced with strategy, grit, and a splash of unpredictability, then this squad announcement is your appetizer to what’s bound to be a red-hot summer.
Ben Stokes Returns to Lead the Charge
Ben Stokes, the heartbeat of England’s red-ball team, returns as skipper. His leadership style. gritty, fearless, and always up for a challenge is exactly what England needs against a formidable Indian side.
He’ll be orchestrating the team both on and off the field, and fans are hoping for fireworks from both his bat and ball.
Jamie Overton: The Surprise Comeback
Let’s talk about Jamie Overton, shall we? The 31-year-old all-rounder makes a dramatic return to the Test setup, replacing the injured Gus Atkinson. Most people remember his stellar debut against New Zealand back in 2022. he almost got a century (97 runs!) and bagged two wickets. Not bad for a debut, right?
Overton has mainly been England’s go-to man in white-ball cricket. England Test Squad 2025, his return to the red-ball game is exciting. With his pace and power-hitting ability, he could be a real game-changer.
Jacob Bethell: Youth with Fire
Jacob Bethell, the 21-year-old sensation, is another headline grabber. Fresh off winning the IPL title with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Bethell has been in red-hot form. Remember his Test debut in New Zealand? The guy averaged 52 with three solid fifties while batting at No. 3.
With Pope and Crawley already fighting for top-order spots, Bethell’s inclusion has thrown a spicy wrench into England’s selection plans. But hey, isn’t competition what fuels greatness?
Joe Root and Zak Crawley – The Old Guard
No English Test squad feels complete without Joe Root. Calm, classy, and consistent, Root continues to be the anchor in England’s batting order. Alongside him, Zak Crawley, fresh from a century in the Zimbabwe series, brings flair and composure to the top.
England Test Squad 2025, This duo is crucial if England wants to weather the storm of India’s world-class bowling attack.
The Young Guns: Shoaib Bashir and Jamie Smith
England isn’t just sticking to experience. they’re betting big on youth. Shoaib Bashir, a promising spinner from Somerset, keeps his place. Given the recent spin-friendly tracks, Bashir could play a bigger role than expected.
Jamie Smith, the young Surrey wicketkeeper-batter, is another exciting talent. He’s quick behind the stumps and equally aggressive with the bat. something England might need if they want to go toe-to-toe with India’s power-packed lineup.
Middle Order Mayhem: Ollie Pope and Ben Duckett
Ollie Pope, often dubbed as the future of England’s batting, remains a solid option in the middle order. But let’s be real his place is under pressure with Bethell in the picture. Still, Pope’s recent form gives him a slight edge.
And don’t overlook Ben Duckett. With his aggressive strokeplay and adaptability, Duckett adds another layer of depth to this already versatile side.
Pace Attack: Power, Precision, and a Bit of Return Drama
Let’s break down England’s pace artillery:
- Chris Woakes – Back from injury, dependable with both bat and ball.
- Josh Tongue – Rapid, raw, and ready to make an impact.
- Brydon Carse – Another comeback kid with pace and bounce.
- Sam Cook – Consistent and accurate, a perfect foil for the quicks.
This mix of experience and raw pace could be England’s trump card, especially with India’s top order known to struggle in swinging conditions.
Who’s Missing? Injuries Shake Things Up
Sadly, Gus Atkinson, who had been steadily cementing his place, misses out due to injury. That opened the door for Overton, but one can’t help wondering what the attack might have looked like with Atkinson’s sharpness and control.
Also, the exclusion of some senior pros might raise eyebrows, but the ECB seems committed to building for the future without letting go of seasoned match-winners.
A Word on India: The Elephant in the Room
England Test Squad 2025, While this article’s about England, you can’t ignore the giant waiting across the battlefield. India’s tour of England is part of the 2025-27 World Test Championship, and you can bet they’re not coming to make up the numbers.
Led by superstars and guided by new-gen aggression, India’s squad will test every fiber of England’s planning and patience. The conditions might favor England, but the Indian team is known for adapting fast and hitting hard.
Match Details: Mark Your Calendars!
- First Test Date: June 20, 2025
- Venue: Headingley, Leeds
- Series Format: 5-match Test series
- Context: Part of the 2025-27 ICC World Test Championship
This isn’t just another Test match. it’s the curtain-raiser to what could be a historic series. Expect drama, nail-biters, and perhaps even a few viral moments.
England’s Full Squad for the 1st Test vs India
- Ben Stokes (Captain) – Durham
- Shoaib Bashir – Somerset
- Jacob Bethell – Warwickshire
- Harry Brook – Yorkshire
- Brydon Carse – Durham
- Sam Cook – Essex
- Zak Crawley – Kent
- Ben Duckett – Nottinghamshire
- Jamie Overton – Surrey
- Ollie Pope – Surrey
- Joe Root – Yorkshire
- Jamie Smith – Surrey
- Josh Tongue – Nottinghamshire
- Chris Woakes – Warwickshire
Read More: Inside the Epic India vs England Test Rivalry: Blood, Bouncers, and Brilliance
Conclusion
England Test Squad 2025, England’s squad for the first Test against India is a near-perfect blend of youth and experience. It’s got the calm of Root, the fire of Stokes, the flair of Bethell, and the muscle of Overton. With India ready to bring their A-game, Headingley is set to be the battleground of dreams.
This isn’t just another cricket series, it’s a war of ideologies, styles, and generations. So buckle up, folks. Whether you’re team England or cheering for India, one thing’s for sure: this summer is going to be red-hot.
