Predicted Playing XI of England Cricket Team: No Harry Brook, Three Lions face daunting challenge in IND vs. ENG 1st Test
The England Cricket Team is ready to face a daunting challenge against Team India in the IND vs. ENG 1st Test. The Three Lions have never played a Test previously in Hyderabad. Though deemed underdogs, with their unique Bazball approach, England will be ready to go at the Indian team.
England boasts a strong line-up of able batters, bowlers, and all-rounders. However, defeating the Indians at home is a tough job. With Brooks unavailable and skipper Ben Stokes returning from an injury, there are quite a few tweaks that need to be done by Brendon McCullum.
The opening pair for the Three Lions is set. Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett will open proceedings for the visitors. The right-left-handed combination will work well for the side. While the duo have previously played Test cricket against India, Duckett, on the other hand, has managed just 18 runs against India in 3 innings.
In the absence of Harry Brook, Ollie Pope is likely to take the spot at number 3. Pope is a dependable batter and will look to score big runs in India. At 4, comes their best batter, Joe Root. Apart from being the classic and traditional batter, Root is an excellent off-spinner. In fact, in Test cricket, Root has his only fifer against India.
England Predicted Playing XI vs. IND in the 1st Test
1. Zak Crawley
2. Ben Duckett
3. Ollie Pope
4. Joe Root
5. Jonny Bairstow
6. Ben Stokes (c)
7. Ben Foakes (wk)
8. Rehan Ahmed
9. Jack Leach
10. Mark Wood
11. James Anderson.