The highly anticipated five-Test series between England and India is set to commence on June 20, 2025, at Headingley, Leeds. This series marks the beginning of the 2025-27 ICC World Test Championship cycle for both teams, adding significant weight to each match.
Where to Watch:
For fans in India, the series will be broadcast live on the Sony Sports Network, including channels such as Sony Sports 1, Sony Sports 5, Sony Sports 3 (Hindi), and Sony Sports 4 (Tamil and Telugu). Live streaming will be available on the JioHotstar app and website. In the UK, Sky Sports Cricket (Sky Sports Main Event HD, Sky Sports Cricket HD) will provide live TV coverage, with streaming options on Sky Go and Now. SuperSport will broadcast the series in South Africa on Channel 212 (SuperSport Cricket) and 201 (SuperSport Grandstand), with digital coverage on the DSTV app. Willow.tv will cover the series in the USA and Canada.
Match Timings:
All five Tests are scheduled to begin at 11:00 AM local time in England, which translates to 3:30 PM Indian Standard Time (IST).
Team News and Squads:
India enters the series with Shubman Gill as the new Test captain, and Rishabh Pant as the vice-captain. This series marks Gill's first overseas assignment as Test captain, following the retirements of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli from Test cricket. Key players like KL Rahul are expected to contribute significantly.
England has already announced their playing XI for the first Test. Ben Stokes will captain the side, which includes Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jamie Smith, Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue, and Shoaib Bashir. The inclusion of Chris Woakes and Brydon Carse are the two changes to the lineup.
Schedule:
Pitch and Weather Conditions:
Headingley is known for its batting-friendly pitch, offering opportunities for quick runs. Spinners are expected to come into play as the match progresses. Overcast conditions could favor seam bowlers, creating a balanced contest. The weather forecast for the first three days predicts sunshine with temperatures approaching 29°C, while days four and five may see a drop in temperature to 23°C with possible light rain.
Predictions and Key Factors:
Former England captain Nasser Hussain believes that England will win the series 3-1, citing the absence of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli as a significant disadvantage for India. However, Matthew Hayden suggests India has a strong chance if they win the matches in Leeds and Manchester. Graeme Swann predicts a 4-1 series win for England, emphasizing their home advantage and the absence of key Indian batsmen.
Jasprit Bumrah will be a pivotal player for India. Joe Root is expected to be a key performer for England, with solid form at Headingley, including a century against India in 2021.
Historical Context:
India's last tour of England in 2021 ended in a 2-2 draw. Historically, England has had a slight edge in home tests, but India has narrowed that gap in recent times. Both teams are yet to win the World Test Championship trophy, making this series a vital precursor.
The series will be played for a new trophy named after James Anderson and Sachin Tendulkar.
