\n<\/p>\n
Woakes, who has missed England’s past two Tests, has recovered from an ankle injury, while Carse will play his first home Test after overcoming a foot problem.<\/p>\n
Carse could be in line to share the new ball with Woakes, despite usually operating as a change bowler. The Durham man has opened the bowling on 16 occasions in the 94 first-class innings in which he has bowled, managing a combined 2-246 in those spells.<\/p>\n
“I’m relishing that opportunity, if that is what it is,” Carse told BBC Sport. “I opened the bowling during the one-day series against West Indies, and felt comfortable and confident. If that opportunity awaits, it’s something I’m looking forward to.”<\/p>\n
Cook and Jamie Overton are the seamers in the squad to miss out, while Atkinson is sidelined with a hamstring injury.<\/p>\n
Atkinson is expected to return later in the series and was at England’s training session at Headingley on Wednesday. Another pace bowler working towards a comeback is Jofra Archer, whose long-awaited return to red-ball cricket is gathering pace.<\/p>\n
A string of injuries has meant the 30-year-old has not played first-class or Test cricket since 2021.<\/p>\n
After overcoming a thumb problem, Archer is in line to play for Sussex in the County Championship at Durham, starting on Sunday.<\/p>\n
If he comes through that, Archer could be in line to return for the second Test against India at Edgbaston, or third Test at Lord’s.<\/p>\n
India are yet to announce their XI, but will have a new-look top order after the retirements of captain Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli since their tour of Australia in January.<\/p>\n
Rishabh Pant confirmed he would stay at five, with new captain Shubman Gill at four, in Wednesday’s news conference.<\/p>\n
On the evolving India team, Carse said: “They have lost two of their most established, world-class batters, but we all know the quality that India have.<\/p>\n
“Whatever side they put out, they will have a lot of quality. It will certainly bring different challenges, and it’s exciting. Two good sides going against each other, with the same goal.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n