England retain Pope, recall Woakes and Carse for first Test against India
LONDON: England have named their squad for the opening Test of the five-match series against India, with Ollie Pope retained at the expense of rising star Jacob Bethell. The match begins on Friday at Headingley.
Despite a promising debut series against New Zealand — where Bethell scored three half-centuries, including a near-century knock of 96 — the 21-year-old batter has been left out. Vice-captain Pope, who batted in the middle order during that series, is set to move up to number three following his impressive 171-run innings against Zimbabwe.
Bethell missed that Zimbabwe Test due to IPL commitments with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, opening the door for Pope’s promotion in the order.
England have also bolstered their bowling attack with the return of seasoned all-rounder Chris Woakes, who last featured in a Test in December, and Brydon Carse, who is set to play his first Test on English soil. Carse has previously made five Test appearances, all away from home, in Pakistan and New Zealand.
The squad reflects England’s balance of experience and emerging talent as they prepare for a highly anticipated series against a formidable Indian side.
ENGLAND’s SQUAD FOR FIRST TEST
Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (captain), Jamie Smith (wicketkeeper), Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue, Shoaib Bashir
