As England prepare for the much-anticipated Test series against India, there’s an unmistakable buzz of excitement in the air. The announcement of the squad for the first Test at Headingley on June 20 brings with it fresh faces, seasoned heads, and—most tantalising of all—a whisper that Jofra Archer may soon don the whites once more.
This isn’t just another squad announcement. It’s a hopeful heartbeat for English cricket fans, a sign that amidst the injury clouds, there’s a silver lining—perhaps even a thunderbolt waiting to strike.
Jamie Overton Returns, Bethell and Carse Included
In the headline act of the selection, Jamie Overton has been recalled to the Test side for the first time since his debut against New Zealand in 2022. That Headingley clash—his only Test to date—saw him grab two key wickets and offer a glimpse of the kind of all-round depth England have longed for in the pace department.
Overton’s inclusion comes despite a fractured finger sustained in the recent ODI series against the West Indies, but the selectors are optimistic about his recovery. His return, especially in the absence of senior pacemen, is timely and critical.
Also returning to the fold is Jacob Bethell, the explosive all-rounder who missed the Zimbabwe Test due to IPL commitments. The left-hander impressed during England’s tour of New Zealand earlier this year, where he notched up three half-centuries in as many Tests. Bethell’s energy and dynamism will be welcome as England seek to match India’s firepower.
Brydon Carse and Chris Woakes are also named in the 14-man squad, adding crucial experience and variation to England’s attack. Woakes, the ever-reliable swing merchant, recently returned from an ankle injury and looked sharp in the England Lions series against India A—claiming six wickets in the first match at Canterbury.
Squad for the First Test vs India:
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Ben Stokes (c)
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Shoaib Bashir
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Jacob Bethell
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Harry Brook
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Brydon Carse
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Sam Cook
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Zak Crawley
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Ben Duckett
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Jamie Overton
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Ollie Pope
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Joe Root
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Jamie Smith
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Josh Tongue
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Chris Woakes
Archer Watch: The Road to Edgbaston
And now to the news that truly sets pulses racing—Jofra Archer could be on track for a return in the second Test at Edgbaston.
Though not named in the squad for Headingley, Archer is set to return to red-ball action with Sussex’s second XI and is pencilled in to feature in the County Championship fixture against Durham later this month. If all goes well—and England fans will be collectively holding their breath—Archer may finally make his Test comeback after four long, injury-riddled years.
Since his dazzling debut in the 2019 Ashes, Archer has endured a torrid run with fitness—elbow surgeries, a stress fracture in his back, and now a thumb injury suffered during the IPL. His last Test appearance came in February 2021. Since then, his career has been stop-start at best, with only fleeting appearances in white-ball formats.
But when Archer is fit, he is frightening. Few bowlers in world cricket combine raw pace, accuracy, and intimidation the way he does. England’s pace unit—depleted by the absences of Mark Wood, Ollie Stone, and Gus Atkinson—would receive a seismic boost if Archer were to return at Edgbaston.
It’s a big if. But it’s a thrilling one.
Injury Woes and Opportunity
The fast-bowling depth has been heavily tested. Gus Atkinson’s hamstring injury rules him out of at least the first Test. Mark Wood and Ollie Stone are likely to miss the entire series. England are down to their bones, but in adversity comes opportunity.
Sam Cook, who made his debut against Zimbabwe, retains his spot and will be hungry to prove himself further. Josh Tongue, who has been in fine form for the Lions, is another to watch closely. Woakes’ return and Carse’s inclusion add steel, while Overton offers an all-round option that could prove pivotal.
Batting Line-up Remains Solid
There are no surprises in the top order. Ollie Pope and Zak Crawley keep their places after century-making efforts against Zimbabwe. Joe Root, Ben Duckett, and Harry Brook form a formidable middle order, while Jamie Smith continues as the first-choice wicketkeeper.
The return of Bethell adds another aggressive, left-handed option who can be deployed as a floater depending on the match situation. With Stokes leading from the front, England’s batting unit looks solid—if slightly reliant on the old guard to steer them home.
Hope, Fire, and the Roar of Archer
This India series will be a stern test of England’s depth, resilience, and red-ball philosophy. India are a heavyweight side with fast bowlers who can dominate and spinners who can decimate. But England have spirit. They have depth. And now, they might just have Jofra Archer.
If Archer returns, it will be more than just a cricketing comeback—it will be a moment of redemption, of excitement, and of raw English pace roaring back to life.
Headingley awaits. Edgbaston may erupt. The Three Lions are ready—and one of their fiercest may soon be back on the hunt.
