ENG vs IND 1st Test 2025: A New Chapter Begins as India Faces England at Headingley
The wait is finally over! The India tour of England 2025 begins with a highly anticipated 1st Test match at Headingley Stadium in Leeds on 20 June, 03:30 PM IST. This series opener is more than just a game—it’s a symbol of transition, competition, and the evolution of two of the world’s most historic cricketing nations. With both teams in the middle of generational shifts, the battle promises intensity, skill, and unpredictable moments.
Why This Test Matters More Than Ever
This particular Test match holds immense significance as India enters the post-Kohli-Rohit era in the red-ball format. Both stalwarts recently retired from Test cricket, leaving behind a legacy and big shoes to fill. For the first time in more than a decade, India will play a Test without either of them in the XI. With Shubman Gill at the helm, fans will witness a new brand of Test leadership.
England, meanwhile, continue their experiment with aggressive, fearless Test cricket under the leadership of Ben Stokes. After dominating West Indies in white-ball cricket, England now returns to the longer format with a point to prove. They have a well-balanced squad that blends youth and experience, and they’ll be looking to assert their home dominance early in the series.
India’s Test Line-Up: Youth, Firepower, and Big Responsibilities
With the retirement of Kohli and Rohit, Shubman Gill leads the Test side in what promises to be his toughest challenge yet. Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul are likely to open the innings, both known for their temperament and flair. The inclusion of Sai Sudharsan and Karun Nair in the middle order adds depth and stability, while Rishabh Pant, back in full form, is set to be a game-changer with both the bat and gloves.
India’s lower middle order also has all-rounders like Ravindra Jadeja and Shardul Thakur/Nitish Kumar Reddy, who provide the much-needed balance. The pace attack, spearheaded by Jasprit Bumrah, will be backed by Mohammed Siraj and either Arshdeep Singh or Prasidh Krishna, depending on pitch conditions.
India’s focus will be on patience with the bat and precision with the ball—a strategy that has yielded success on overseas tours in recent years.
England’s Squad: Aggression Meets Tradition
England’s Test strategy has evolved significantly in the last few years. With Bazball-style cricket gaining momentum, England now looks to dominate with aggressive batting and clever bowling changes. Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett will look to give fast starts, followed by experienced anchors like Joe Root and Ollie Pope.
The middle order, comprising Harry Brook, Ben Stokes, and Jamie Overton, is packed with power-hitters and all-round capabilities. The bowling attack features Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, Sam Cook, and Shoaib Bashir, who offer variety and wicket-taking potential.
Shoaib Bashir, in particular, has been England’s secret weapon in recent Tests against India, and Headingley’s conditions may suit his spin bowling style.
Pitch Report – Headingley, Leeds
The pitch at Headingley traditionally supports seamers early on due to overcast conditions and a bit of grass cover. However, as the game progresses, the surface evens out and becomes better for batting, especially on Day 3 and 4.
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Weather Forecast: 27-22°C, Cloudy with 40–52% humidity and slight chances of rain.
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Average 1st Innings Score: 300–310 runs.
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Toss Impact: The team winning the toss is likely to bowl first to utilize the early swing.
Headingley Stadium Stats
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Tests Played | 81 |
| Matches Won Batting First | 29 (35.8%) |
| Matches Won Batting Second | 34 (41.98%) |
| Matches Drawn | 18 |
| Highest Individual Score | 334 – Don Bradman |
| Best Bowling (Match) | 15/99 – C. Blythe |
| Highest Team Score | 653/4 dec – AUS |
| Lowest Team Score | 61 – WI vs ENG |
| Highest Successful Chase | 404/3 – AUS |
Head-to-Head Record – ENG vs IND
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Matches | 136 |
| England Wins | 51 |
| India Wins | 35 |
| Draws | 50 |
Despite England leading in overall wins, India has been dominant in recent Test series, including their home performances and improved away records.
Key Players to Watch Out For
India:
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Yashasvi Jaiswal: 712 runs in 9 Tests vs England with a high score of 214.
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Shubman Gill: Now the captain, he has 592 runs in 18 innings vs England.
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Jasprit Bumrah: Lethal with the new ball; 60 wickets in 26 matches.
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Rishabh Pant: Known for match-defining innings overseas.
England:
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Joe Root: 2846 runs in 55 Tests vs India, including a double hundred.
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Ollie Pope: 615 runs in 25 innings, with a best of 196.
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Shoaib Bashir: 17 wickets in 5 Tests vs India.
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Ben Stokes: The talismanic captain known for clutch performances.
Match Prediction Scenarios
| Scenario | Toss Winner | Decision | Predicted 1st Innings Score | Probable Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ENG | Bowl | 310-320 | India |
| 2 | IND | Bowl | 280-300 | India |
India looks more balanced in all departments. Their recent form, new leadership, and hunger to dominate make them a strong contender in the opening match.
Final Prediction
India is likely to win the 1st Test against England at Headingley. With Shubman Gill’s captaincy debut and fresh energy in the squad, India may outclass the English team if they adapt to the conditions quickly.
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