England announced their Playing XI for Test series opener against India, added with a couple of changes

Chris Woakes, who missed out on previous two Test matches due to an ankle injury, is going to replace Sam Cook. Along with that, Brydon Carse is going to replace Gus Atkinson- who has been sidelined due to a hamstring issue.

Chris Woakes being included in the team at number eight adds great value with his allround prowess. This is going to allow England to have Jamie Smith as a specialist wicketkeeper-batter at number seven while still having a strong batting lineup.

The vice-captain Ollie Pope has also been placed at the third position, as the hosts have decided to go with experience over young with 21-year-old Jacob Bethell being sidelined.

Shubman Gill-led India are yet to name their XI as they are expected to field a new-look top order following the retirements of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. However, Rishabh Pant has confirmed he will bat at No. 5, with new captain Gill set to take the No. 4 spot.

England’s XI for the first Test:
Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jamie Smith (wk), Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue and Shoaib Bashir.