IND vs ENG 1st Test: India And England Probable Playing 11s For Hyderabad Test

As the eagerly awaited five-match Test series between India and England is set to begin on January 25 (Thursday) in Hyderabad, let's examine the probable playing XIs for both teams.

India vs England 1st Test is set to commence on January 25 (Thursday) in Hyderabad

Source : Getty

India vs England playing 11: India are set to face England in the opening Test of the five-match India vs England series, at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad, starting on January 25 (Thursday). The absence of Virat Kohli, who opted out of the first two Tests citing personal reasons, will be felt by the Indian team whereas England, too, will miss their hard-hitting batter Harry Brook who has pulled out of the series due to personal reasons. With less than a day until the start of the 1st Test, let's take a look at the probable XIs for both teams.

For the first Test, India are expected to field three spinners and two pacers in their Playing XI. With Virat Kohli absent,Shreyas Iyer is likely to feature at no. four in the playing XI. Moreover, head coach Rahul Dravid clarified on Tuesday that KS Bharat, not KL Rahul, will take on the role of wicketkeeper. Consequently, Dhruv Jurel may need to wait for his opportunity as Dravid has confirmed that KL Rahul won't be keeping wickets.

R Ashwin is anticipated to lead India's spin attack, with Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja as the other two spinners. The fast-bowling department in India's playing XI is likely to feature Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj as the two pacers.

For England, despite the absence of Harry Brook, Ben Stokes would aim to carry on their free-flowing Test cricket style in India, and young Rehan Ahmed is expected to play in the crucial first match. The 41-year-old pacer James Anderson is in contention for a spot in the starting eleven, while left-arm spinner Jack Leach is confirmed to play.

India’s Predicted Playing 11 For IND vs ENG 1st Test: Rohit Sharma (C), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, KS Bharat (WK), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohd. Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav

England’s Predicted Playing 11 For IND vs ENG 1st Test: Zak Crawley, Ben Ducket, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Ben Stokes, Jonny Bairstow/Ben Foakes, Jack Leach, Tom Hartley, Mark Wood, Ollie Robinson, James Anderson