England have locked in Ollie Pope at No. 3 for the first Test against India at Headingley, firmly backing their vice-captain ahead of rising star Jacob Bethell, despite serious internal discussions about the spot. 🇬🇧 England XI – 1st Test vs India, Headingley Zak Crawley Ben Duckett Ollie Pope (vc) ✅ Joe Root Harry Brook Ben Stokes (capt) Jamie Smith (wk) Chris Woakes Brydon Carse Josh Tongue Shoaib Bashir 🧠 Why Pope Over Bethell? Form revival: Pope’s 171 vs Zimbabwe last month was timely, re-establishing his confidence at No. 3. Leadership continuity: As vice-captain, the management is showing faith in him during a transition phase. Experience factor: Despite Bethell’s exciting start, Pope’s 40-Test experience gives him the edge in high-stakes series. 🗣️ Rob Key, Director of Cricket: "We have two brilliant options. Right now, it's about backing the guy who just showed he can deliver big against the red ball." ⚡ England's Attack – New Faces, New Roles Brydon Carse and Chris Woakes: Set to open the bowling in absence of Anderson, Broad, and Wood. Carse: 27 wickets in 5 overseas Tests this winter Woakes: Returning to home Tests after missing Zimbabwe series Josh Tongue & Shoaib Bashir: Retain spots after solid performances Stokes: Bowls selectively, managing knee concerns 🌱 Jacob Bethell – The One Who Misses Out Impressed in New Zealand with three fifties in three Tests, including 96 in Wellington Was unavailable against Zimbabwe due to IPL duties England still see him as a key future middle-order pillar, but for now, he waits 📊 Experience Gap England’s current pace attack (Carse, Tongue, Woakes) lacks the Test pedigree of India’s No Anderson, Broad, or Wood—huge shift from previous India-England series India, led by Bumrah, Siraj, and Jadeja, arguably bring a more settled and potent bowling unit 🗣️ Rishabh Pant: "Not facing Anderson and Broad? Definitely a bonus. But England still have enough firepower. You can’t relax." 🏏 Series Opener Outlook Match: 1st Test, England vs India Venue: Headingley, Leeds Start: Friday, June 20 Conditions: Traditionally seam-friendly early on, but can flatten out