What Would be India vs England Playing XI for 1st Test?

India and England are set to play the first match of the five-match Test series on June 20, at Headingley in Leeds. With this series, the World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle also kicks off for both sides. The series has been named the Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy. However, both sides will miss many experienced players in their playing XI as a lot of players have announced their retirement from the Test format.

England are coming up with a convincing win over Zimbabwe in a recently played Test match in Nottingham, where their top three scored sensational centuries. However, the Player of the Match was given to their off-spinner, Shoaib Bashir, who picked up nine wickets in the match. This will surely boost India’s star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja’s confidence ahead of the much-awaited series. Let's find out how India Playing 11 for 1st Test and England Playing 11 For 1st Test will look like.

Rishabh Pant confirms India’s No. 4 and 5 Positions for 1st Test match against England

Following the retirements of two Indian veterans, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, there were numerous questions about India's batting order and which player would fill each position. However, now India's newly appointed vice-captain, Rishabh Pant, revealed that skipper Shubman Gill will play at the No. 4 position while he will take the crease at the No. 5 position in the first Test match against England.

"I think there is still discussion going on, who is going to play 3. But 4 and 5 are definitely fixed. I think Shubman is going to bat at number 4, and I'm going to stick to number 5 as of now. And the rest, we are going to keep on discussing about that," said Rishabh Pant as quoted by ICC.

The Indian team has a new captain this time after Rohit retired from Test cricket. Now, the responsibility will fall on young Gill and Pant in the upcoming series. Moreover, due to Rohit and Kohli’s retirement, the batting order needed to be sorted as well. India might experiment with KL Rahul as an opener while Karun Nair is likely to get a place back in the Indian team.

The visitors might also go with Sai Sudarshan, as he has had a terrific domestic and IPL 2025 season in the past few months. It will be interesting to see how the management shapes the batting line-up for the first Test match.

England Playing 11 For 1st Test Against India

England continued their ritual of announcing the playing XI days before the match. England has announced a competitive lineup for the Ind vs Eng Test, featuring a mix of seasoned performers and promising talents in their playing XI. The playing XI remains the same as it was against Zimbabwe, except for one inclusion: their star all-rounder, Chris Woakes, who makes his comeback after being out since December last year. His inclusion means the Three Lions now have a stronger pace attack with more depth in the batting order. Here is how England Playing 11 for 1st Test is looking.

India Playing 11 For 1st Test against England (probable)

India Playing 11 for 1st Test will be the reflection of the new generation of players who will be trying to take Indian cricket to new heights. Team India will be aiming for a strong start in the Ind vs Eng Test as they step onto the field with a balanced and experienced playing XI. The Indian team is most likely to open with KL Rahul in the first Test match against England. The batter has previous experience of playing in the top order, so it wouldn't be an issue for him. The management might give Sai Sudharsan a chance in the first match. He is in wonderful form, and India needs a player like him in the team. Pant and Gill's position is already revealed by the vice-captain. Apart from them, even Karun Nair has a good chance of getting into the team in the absence of senior players. Here is how India Playing 11 for 1st Test will most probably look like.