England announced their final XI for the first Test against India on Wednesday, with experienced fast bowler Chris Woakes’s hosts to return to the line up, while Oli Pope Jacob Bethel has been preferred.

Vox, who is out of the last two Tests due to an ankle injury, has been included in the team instead of Sam Cook, while Bridan Cars have been included in place of Kirsh Atkinson which are out of Hamstrings.

Vokes was included at number eight, keeping the strong batting line up and decided to launch Jamie Smith as expert wicketkeeper-batsman at number seven.

The hosts have prioritized the experience and placed vice -captain Oli Pope at number three and excluded 21 -year -old Bethel. Shubman Gill -led Indian team has not yet announced its final XI as Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are expected to take their new top order after retiring.

England’s playing XI for the first Test

Jack Cruli, Ben Docket, Oli Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (Captain), Jamie Smith (wicketkeeper), Chris Woakes, Bridan Cars, Josh Tung and Shoaib Bashir.

Full schedule of series

First Test: 20-24 June, 2025 – Headingley, Leeds
Second Test: 2-6 July, 2025 – Edgbaston, Birmingham
Third Test: 10-14 July, 2025 – Lords, London
Fourth Test: 23-27 July, 2025 – Old Trafford, Manchester
Fifth Test: 31 July -4 August, 2025 – The Oval, London