England name XI for Edgbaston Test against India: Unchanged Squad Looks to Seal Series
England have officially named their playing XI for the second Test match against India at Edgbaston, and the major headline is that there are no changes from the side that convincingly won the opening Test at Headingley. The move signals England’s confidence in their current combination and their strategy to ride the momentum from their successful chase in the fourth innings of the first Test.
Despite speculation around the return of star pacer Jofra Archer, the England management has decided to go with the same eleven. Archer, who has been out of international red-ball cricket since 2021 due to persistent injuries, was expected to make a comeback. He recently played county cricket and showed encouraging signs of form and fitness. However, the selectors have opted for caution, keeping Archer on the sidelines for now.
Jofra Archer is back in the England Test squad after four years 🙌#WTC27 | #ENGvIND
More ➡️ https://t.co/qDnOrA2UJw pic.twitter.com/gBybhyJVe8— ICC (@ICC) June 28, 2025
🔍 The XI Remains the Same
The team that delivered a remarkable victory at Headingley will now take the field in Edgbaston. England’s XI includes openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett, both of whom were instrumental in the record-setting 188-run stand during the fourth innings run chase. Joe Root, Ollie Pope, and Harry Brook form a solid middle order, while skipper Ben Stokes brings all-round balance and leadership to the side.
Jamie Smith continues as wicketkeeper in the absence of Jonny Bairstow, and the bowling unit is made up of Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue, and Shoaib Bashir. These bowlers impressed with their relentless attack and late-inning breakthroughs that helped England restrict India in the second innings of the Headingley Test.
📉 Jofra Archer: Not Yet Match-Ready?
Although Archer was included in the squad and has shown good rhythm in his return to domestic cricket, the management seems to be playing the long game. Given his history of recurring injuries, England appear to be cautious in reintegrating him into the playing XI. It’s also a sign that the current pace battery, including Tongue and Carse, has done enough to retain their spots. England name XI for Edgbaston Test against India
While fans were eager to see Archer’s comeback, this decision may benefit both the team and the player in the long term. A fully fit Archer could prove vital in the remaining Tests or future series.
📈 England’s Form and Strategy
England head into the Edgbaston Test with significant momentum. In the first Test at Headingley, they overcame a first-innings deficit to deliver a stunning fourth innings chase of 371 runs—England’s second-highest successful run chase in Test cricket history. England name XI for Edgbaston Test against India
Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett led from the front, showing a positive mindset that fits well with England’s “Bazball” approach under the leadership of Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum. Their aggressive style, even in Test matches, seems to be paying off. England name XI for Edgbaston Test against India
Stokes himself contributed with crucial runs and smart captaincy. The decision to bring in Jamie Smith as the wicketkeeper also seems justified after his steady performance with the gloves.
A batting effort up next to their very best 📝
More from England’s Leeds victory 👉 https://t.co/62moN1jfz9#WTC27 | #ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/BqFyj7DV6C
— ICC (@ICC) June 25, 2025
🧠 India on the Backfoot England name XI for Edgbaston Test against India
India, meanwhile, will be looking to regroup after their loss. Their first innings total of 450+ at Headingley looked strong, but the inability to build on that momentum in the second innings proved costly. Their batting collapse under pressure gave England an opening, and the hosts didn’t look back.
The pressure is now on the Indian side to bounce back in Edgbaston. With players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Rishabh Pant in the squad, India will need to show more resilience and tactical depth.
📍 England’s Edgbaston XI: England name XI for Edgbaston Test against India
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Zak Crawley
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Ben Duckett
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Ollie Pope
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Joe Root
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Harry Brook
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Ben Stokes (c)
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Jamie Smith (wk)
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Chris Woakes
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Brydon Carse
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Josh Tongue
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Shoaib Bashir
📢 Conclusion England name XI for Edgbaston Test against India
With England naming an unchanged XI for the second Test against India at Edgbaston, the team clearly backs its winning combination. Despite the hype surrounding Jofra Archer’s return, his absence shows a measured and long-term approach by the selectors. England name XI for Edgbaston Test against India
The focus now shifts to Edgbaston, where the second Test starts on July 2. A win here would not only give England a 2-0 series lead but also underline their status as a top red-ball side under Stokes’ aggressive yet calculated leadership.
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