Ahead of the five-match Test series against India (IND), which starts at Headingley on June 20, England’s (ENG) pace attack is having trouble. Jofra Archer, a crucial bowler, is already out for the first Test match, while Josh Tongue was hurt during the England Lions game against India A.
Gus Atkinson is currently recuperating from a hamstring injury he suffered during the one-time Test match against Zimbabwe, and right-arm bowler Mark Wood has been out for the entire summer. Eddie Jack, 19, has been called up by England as a cover in response. Interestingly, Jack has only participated in two first-class games, both of which were draws against India A.
England is largely dependent on Chris Woakes because their pace department seems to be lacking.
The 36-year-old bowler has the most caps in the team with 57 Test matches. Only in late May did he resume playing competitive cricket after sustaining an ankle injury during the SA20. Archer’s eagerly awaited comeback to red-ball cricket has been postponed to the second Test, but because the Ashes are England’s top priority, it seems improbable that he will play in all four games.
Stokes’ fitness issues and Cook’s new-ball position are crucial for England.
Woakes is anticipated to split the new ball with young Sam Cook, who has only played one Test. With 322 wickets at an average of 20.16 in 90 games, Cook has an outstanding first-class record. Because of his propensity to smash the deck hard, Jamie Overton has been included, and Brydon Carse might be an important choice. Carse has participated in five Test matches, including one in December 2024 at Christchurch where he claimed an outstanding ten wickets.
Ben Stokes, England’s captain, might also be looked to provide bowling assistance. He had bowled 11 overs against Zimbabwe at Nottingham after suffering a hamstring ailment. With the exception of a brief stint against India in Dharamsala, Stokes did not bowl from July 2023 until February 2024. The young Shoaib Bashir will be England’s main source of spin, while Joe Root is also anticipated to play a role.
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