The iconic Headingley ground in Leeds will host the opening Test of the much-anticipated five-match series between India and England, starting June 20, 2025. This isn’t just the beginning of another bilateral contest, it's the launchpad for the 2025–27 ICC World Test Championship cycle.
It also signifies a generational shift in both camps. India arrive with a youthful squad led by a new captain, Shubman Gill, while England, under Ben Stokes, continue their fearless ‘Bazball’ revolution. As two of the world’s most passionate cricketing nations prepare to renew their rivalry, the backdrop of English summer and swinging Dukes balls sets the stage for another dramatic chapter.
Match Preview
When these two sides last met in Test whites on English soil, it ended in heartbreak for India. At Edgbaston in 2022, England pulled off a stunning chase of 378 to level that series 2-2 — a result that felt like unfinished business for many Indian fans. Fast forward three years, and much has changed. Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Cheteshwar Pujara are no longer in the red-ball mix. Instead, a younger, fresher group led by Gill will carry the mantle.
England, meanwhile, have shown no signs of slowing down with their all-guns-blazing approach. Despite being humbled in India earlier this year, they remain confident at home. Headingley, the site of Ben Stokes’ miraculous 135* against Australia in 2019, is a happy hunting ground and an ideal location to unleash their ultra-aggressive style.
With both teams eager to rack up early WTC points, the pressure to make a statement in Leeds couldn’t be higher.
Team News
India’s Test squad reflects a clear transition. With senior batters stepping away, the spotlight now falls on newcomers like Sai Sudharsan and Nitish Kumar Reddy. Karun Nair has been handed a lifeline, returning to the fold after years in the wilderness. Rishabh Pant, back in whites after his long injury layoff, will be vice-captain and wicketkeeper.
The pace attack continues to revolve around Jasprit Bumrah, with Mohammed Siraj and Arshdeep Singh likely to share the new ball. The presence of both Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav adds variety in the spin department, though given the English conditions, India may opt for an extra seamer.
For England, the squad includes some fresh faces too. Jamie Overton is back, adding depth to their seam unit. Jacob Bethell gets a chance to make an impression, while Ben Stokes, though fully fit, is expected to manage his bowling workload. Chris Woakes brings experience and skill to the pace lineup, and Shoaib Bashir remains their go-to spinner.
Weather & Pitch Report
Rain could be the biggest disruptor in this Test. With a gloomy forecast on three out of the five days, and intermittent showers expected especially in the opening couple of days, patience will be key.
Headingley’s surface is notorious for assisting seamers early on, particularly under cloudy skies with the Dukes ball doing the talking. The pitch ahead of the Test has a visible greenish tinge, suggesting ample help for pacers, at least in the first innings. Expect sharp movement, uneven bounce, and testing periods for batters.
Teams winning the toss are likely to bowl first, but that comes with the risk of getting caught out if the weather clears quicker than expected. Batting is projected to ease out from Day 3 onward, provided the ground gets enough dry spells.
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 stick with a top-order pairing of Jaiswal and Rahul, followed by Sudharsan or Nair at No. 3. Gill will likely bat at 4, anchoring the middle. Rishabh Pant's attacking instinct and sharp keeping will be vital, while Jadeja offers both control and runs at No. 7. Bumrah, Siraj, and Arshdeep provide a potent fast-bowling unit.
For England, Crawley and Duckett form a solid opening pair. Root and Pope will anchor the innings while Jacob Bethell could play the aggressor role in the middle. With Stokes and Smith adding depth, and Overton, Woakes, and Bashir sharing the bowling load, England will look to bring the heat from both ends.
Key Players to Watch
India:
Shubman Gill:
Now leading India’s red-ball squad at just 25, Gill’s tactical acumen and batting ability are under the microscope. With five Test centuries and over 1800 runs already, he has proven pedigree. But his performances in SENA countries have been patchy. A strong series here will silence doubters and shape his captaincy credentials.
Jasprit Bumrah:
The top-ranked Test bowler returns to familiar territory. Bumrah has 200+ Test wickets at an average under 20 and was one of India’s best performers in England during previous tours. With conditions expected to assist seamers, Bumrah’s spell with the new ball could dictate the tone of the match.
England:
Harry Brook:
After a forgettable tour of India, Brook returns to conditions he thrives in. With a Test average close to 60 and eight centuries in just 25 games, his strokeplay at home is a key asset. If he settles in, England will look to pile on runs quickly.
Jamie Overton:
The pacer is known for his movement and sharp bounce, ideal attributes on a surface like Headingley. His ability to attack the stumps and extract lateral movement under cloudy skies could expose India’s middle order.
Match Prediction: Who Will Win?
The outcome of this Test hinges heavily on the weather and early conditions. If play begins under overcast skies, England’s familiarity with the Dukes ball and their pace arsenal gives them the upper hand, especially against an Indian top order that is still finding its feet.
For India, a lot rests on Gill's captaincy, Pant’s counter attacking abilities, and Bumrah’s spell with the new ball. If they can survive the first two days with minimal damage and the rain allows at least four days of play, the contest could swing either way.
But based on historical familiarity, home advantage, and weather forecast, England are marginal favourites.
Prediction: England to edge a low-scoring contest, weather permitting.