IND vs ENG 1st Test Day1: Team India begins its WTC 2025–27 campaign with a high-stakes five-Test series against England, starting June 20 at Headingley. Under new captain Shubman Gill, India looks to set the tone early on iconic English turf.
India’s five-match Test series against England begins on June 20, 2025, at Headingley, Leeds, marking the opening clash of the WTC 2025–27 cycle for both teams. With a new captain in Shubman Gill and a fresh No. 3 in Sai Sudharsan, Team India embarks on this high-stakes tour under overcast skies and swinging English conditions. The series, spread across iconic venues, is expected to test India’s depth post the retirements of stalwarts like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. All eyes are now on this youthful squad and how it handles pressure, weather interruptions, and the historic rivalry that continues to define modern Test cricket.
IND vs ENG 1st Test Day1: Sai Sudharsan Receives Test Cap from Pujara, Steps Into India’s No. 3 Role Against England
India’s transition into a new era of Test cricket was marked by a symbolic moment at Headingley as young left-hander Sai Sudharsan received his maiden Test cap from Cheteshwar Pujara. Sudharsan, who topped the IPL 2025 run charts, now assumes the pivotal No. 3 spot — long held by Pujara himself — as India begins its World Test Championship 2025–27 campaign. His inclusion reflects the selectors’ confidence in his composure and ability to adapt across formats. With over 600 IPL runs this season and an outstanding domestic red-ball record, Sudharsan is poised to bring fresh energy and stability to India’s top order as they take on England in testing conditions at Leeds.
Shubman Gill Eyes Winning Start as Bumrah-Led Pace Unit and Jadeja Power India’s Bowling Challenge
Stepping into the shoes of legendary leaders, Shubman Gill makes his Test captaincy debut with a balanced yet bold Indian squad in the first Test against England. As India launches its World Test Championship 2025–27 journey at Headingley, the spotlight is firmly on Gill’s leadership and the composition of the bowling attack in seam-friendly conditions.
Jasprit Bumrah returns to lead India’s pace battery, bringing with him both control and menace. He’s backed by Mohammed Siraj, known for his relentless energy, Prasidh Krishna with his height and bounce, and Shardul Thakur, India’s go-to swing option in English conditions. Ravindra Jadeja, the experienced all-rounder, anchors the spin department and provides crucial lower-order runs. With overcast skies and a green pitch in Leeds, Kuldeep Yadav may be slotted in depending on the balance Gill seeks on Day 1. The combination of youth, experience, and tactical freshness could be Gill’s key weapon in scripting a strong start to this new Test era.
Headingley Weather and Pitch Report: IND vs ENG Test Kicks Off on Green Pitch with Swing, Rain May Play Minor Spoilsport
The India vs England 1st Test at Headingley begins under largely clear skies, though shifting weather patterns could play a role as the match progresses. Early conditions are set to favor fast bowlers, thanks to a green pitch with visible seam-friendly grass and mild cloud cover — ideal for swing and lateral movement. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj are expected to exploit these conditions right from the first session.
Though brief rain interruptions are likely on Day 2 and 4, forecasts suggest that most sessions will see full play. As the match moves forward, the surface is expected to flatten, aiding batters, while footmarks developing by Day 4 and 5 could offer grip and turn for Ravindra Jadeja or Kuldeep Yadav. The blend of swing-friendly overheads and evolving pitch behavior makes this a tactically demanding Test — with both sides needing to adapt session by session.
India vs England 2025 Test Series: Complete Schedule and Venues Announced
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) have officially released the schedule for the five-Test India vs England series, part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025–27 cycle. The series will commence on June 20, 2025, at Headingley, Leeds, and conclude with the final Test at The Oval, London, on August 4, 2025.
The complete Test itinerary includes:
- 1st Test: June 20–24 – Headingley, Leeds
- 2nd Test: July 2–6 – Edgbaston, Birmingham
- 3rd Test: July 10–14 – Lord’s, London
- 4th Test: July 23–27 – Old Trafford, Manchester
- 5th Test: July 31–August 4 – The Oval, London
With both sides entering a transition phase—India under the new leadership of Shubman Gill and England fine-tuning their red-ball approach—the series promises to be a pivotal chapter in their WTC campaigns. Iconic venues, evolving playing conditions, and high stakes will make this a headline-dominating contest throughout the summer.
Tribute at Headingley: India and England Observe Silence for Ahmedabad Plane Crash Victims
Before the start of play on Day 1 of the 1st Test at Headingley, both the Indian and England cricket teams came together in a poignant moment of silence to honour the victims of the tragic Ahmedabad plane crash.
Players from both sides also wore black armbands as a mark of respect and solidarity. This touching gesture reflected the sporting fraternity’s shared grief, with both teams extending heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of those who lost their lives in the devastating incident.
