The five-match Test series between India and England begins on June 20 at Headingley, Leeds. It is the start of a new World Test Championship cycle and a fresh chapter for two cricketing powerhouses. With new faces, new leadership, and old rivalries rekindled in swinging English conditions, the series promises to deliver a compelling narrative over the next few weeks.
Match Preview
India’s last Test assignment in England ended in 2022, when the rescheduled fifth Test saw England chase down 378 at Edgbaston to level the series 2-2. That series marked the end of an era for India’s senior core. Now, under the captaincy of Shubman Gill, the side looks very different, with only a handful of names from the old guard remaining.
England, led by Ben Stokes, are expected to bring their aggressive ‘Bazball’ approach once again. However, after the battering they received in India earlier this year, they know conditions at home are their best shot at restoring pride. Headingley, a venue where England famously chased 359 against Australia in 2019, is the perfect stage for a dramatic opening act.
This Test also marks the beginning of the ICC World Test Championship 2025–27 cycle for both teams. Early points are crucial, and the pressure will be on both sides to start strong.
Team News
India have made several bold decisions heading into the series. With Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli stepping away from Test cricket, Shubman Gill takes the reins as captain. Rishabh Pant, fresh from his IPL comeback, returns as vice-captain and wicketkeeper. The selectors have handed opportunities to youngsters like Sai Sudharsan and Arshdeep Singh, with Karun Nair making a comeback after eight years. Jasprit Bumrah will lead the pace attack, supported by Siraj and Thakur, while Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav handle spin duties.
England, meanwhile, have recalled Jamie Overton to strengthen their fast-bowling unit and included Jacob Bethell in the squad. Stokes is fit, though likely to manage his workload cautiously. The experienced Chris Woakes will lead the pace attack for England while Josh Tongue is a new name in the squad.
Weather & Pitch Report
The forecast for the first Test is less than ideal. Rain is expected on at least three of the five days, particularly in the first two. With persistent cloud cover, seam movement off the pitch is likely to be significant. Headingley traditionally offers help to fast bowlers, especially with the Dukes ball in play. The pitch has a green tinge ahead of the match, and with the amount of moisture expected, batting in the first innings could be hazardous.
Captains winning the toss may be tempted to bowl first, though batting conditions are expected to improve by Day 3, provided there are no significant interruptions.
Probable Playing XI
India: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (c), Karun Nair, Rishabh Pant (wk), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh
England: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Ollie Pope, Jacob Bethell, Ben Stokes (c), Jamie Smith (wk), Jamie Overton, Chris Woakes, Shoaib Bashir, Brydon Carse
India are expected to go in with a top order of KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal, followed by Sai Sudharsan or Karun Nair at three. Shubman Gill could slot in at four, followed by Pant, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Ravindra Jadeja. Bumrah, Siraj, and Arshdeep will likely make up the pace attack, while Kuldeep is expected to be the preferred spinner over Axar Patel due to his recent red-ball form. But India might go in with an extra pacer in Arshdeep instead of Kuldeep due to the overcast conditions.
For England, Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley will headline the top order, followed by Joe Root, Harry Brook and Jacob Bethell. Ben Stokes and Ollie Pope will be key in the middle order. Jamie Overton, Chris Woakes, and Josh Tongue are in line to form a four-pronged pace attack, with Shoaib Bashir offering a spin option.
Key Players to Watch
For India, all eyes will be on Shubman Gill. Taking over as Test captain at 25, this series will be a defining moment in his leadership journey. He has scored over 1800 runs in Test cricket already, with five centuries to his name, but his record in SENA countries is under scrutiny. He needs a solid start to cement his legacy as a multi-format leader.
Jasprit Bumrah, India’s strike bowler, returns to English conditions where he has previously excelled. The No. 1 ranked Test bowler has over 200 wickets from just 45 matches and will be expected to exploit any seam movement with the Dukes ball.
For England, Harry Brook will be under the scanner. He had a quiet series in India but remains one of their most consistent Test batters at home. With eight centuries and an average nearing 60 in just 25 matches, Brook will be key to England’s hopes of dominating the Indian bowlers.
Jamie Overton’s return adds pace and bounce to England’s attack. Known for his hostility and movement off the seam, Overton could trouble India’s middle order on this surface, especially if the ball moves laterally under cloud cover.
Match Prediction: Who Will Win?
Given the conditions, the first two days will play a massive role in shaping the match. If England bowl first under overcast skies, their experienced attack could rip through India’s relatively inexperienced top order. The home team knows these conditions well, and their batting order is better tuned to handle early movement.
India’s hopes rest heavily on Gill and Pant providing solidity and Bumrah delivering a masterclass with the ball. But their middle order’s unfamiliarity with the Dukes ball, coupled with England’s aggressive mindset at home, gives the hosts a slight edge.
Expect a low-scoring Test with sharp sessions. Rain might reduce play time, but if the game gets four full days, England are favourites to take a 1-0 lead.
Verdict: England to win a tight contest at Headingley, weather permitting.
