IND vs ENG 1st Test: Possible England Playing 11 and Top Fantasy Cricket Picks

India are on the brink of a big home series against England, which begins on January 25. This series is crucial for both India and England, as it marks an important step in their journey through the World Test Championship 2023-25. England Cricket Board announced the squad a month before the event, including three uncapped players, Gus Atkinson, Tom Hartley, and Shoaib Bashir. England are determined to turn things around in this format after a poor showing in the ICC ODI World Cup in India. Let’s look at what could be England’s best playing 11 for the IND vs ENG 2024 Test series.

England Playing 11

1. Zak Crawley
2. Ben Duckett
3. Ollie Pope
4. Joe Root
5. Ben Stokes (c)
6. Harry Brook
7. Jonny Bairstow
8. Shoaib Bashir
9. James Anderson
10. Mark Wood
11. Jack Leach

Top Fantasy Cricket Picks for the 1st Test

Joe Root:

Joe Root stands out as the English team’s one-man army, especially for his excellent spin abilities. His ability to deal with spin bowling has made him a key member of the team’s batting lineup.

During England’s last tour to India, Root proved his dominance with the bat with an outstanding double century. Root’s performance showed not only his technical prowess but also his ability to lead the charge, notably when facing spinners on Indian pitches.

Zak Crawley:

Zak Crawley brings experience and an aggressive style to his team. The last time he toured India was in 2020-21, where he struggled, managing only 67 runs in two games. However, he displayed good form in his previous series against Australia, scoring runs at an average of 53.33.

James Anderson:

James Anderson offers plenty of experience to the team as one of England’s all-time leading wicket-takers. His ability to swing and seam the ball has proven crucial in various venues around the world. He has dismissed Virat Kohli 7 times, conceding 305 runs in the process. He has also accounted for Rohit Sharma’s wicket twice, giving away only 86 runs.

Ben Stokes:

Ben Stokes is a genuine all-rounder, noted for his explosive batting, dependable bowling, and outstanding fielding abilities. His experience in multiple roles makes him an invaluable asset to England. His aggressive batting style, paired with his ability to generate pace and movement as a bowler, makes him a complete player. He amassed 203 runs and took 5 wickets for England during their tour of India in 2020-21. A decent recent series with the bat against Australia has raised his confidence, and he aims to carry this momentum into the upcoming series. His all-round prowess makes him a top pick, and he will be eager to have a memorable series.

Jack Leach:

Jack Leach, a left-arm orthodox spinner and a useful batter down the order, adds a quality spin dimension to the England side. His consistent ability to land the ball in the right areas, combined with natural variation, presents an immense challenge to batters. Leach made a huge effect on England’s last tour of India in 2020-21, taking 18 wickets. This prowess establishes him as a valuable asset for England, particularly in Indian conditions where spin plays a crucial role.