IND vs ENG, 1st Test Preview: Both Teams Begin WTC 2025-27 Campaigns Amidst High Stakes and Historic Rivalry

The prestigious five-match Test series between India and England begins today, June 20, 2025, at Headingley, Leeds — a venue that has historically been challenging for Team India. The match also marks the beginning of the new cycle of the ICC World Test Championship (2025–27), with both sides aiming to set a strong early tone.

IND vs ENG, 1st Test

India’s Headingley Struggles

The first Test kicks off at 3:30 PM IST, with the toss scheduled for 3:00 PM. Headingley has never been a happy hunting ground for India. Out of the 7 Tests played at this venue, India has managed to win only 2, lost 4, and drawn 1. The last time India played here was in 2021, where they suffered a crushing defeat by an innings and 76 runs.

Despite their overall rise in Test cricket, India’s performance in England remains a concern. In 67 Tests on English soil, India has won only 9 matches, lost 36, and drawn 22. The last Test series victory for India in England came back in 2007 under the leadership of Rahul Dravid.

WTC Context: Redemption for India, Debut Glory for England?

This match holds added significance as both teams kick off their campaigns in the 2025-27 cycle of the World Test Championship. India has reached both previous WTC finals but ended up runners-up — losing to New Zealand in 2021 and Australia in 2023. England, surprisingly, have never played in a WTC final and will be keen to rewrite that story under the seasoned leadership of Ben Stokes.

Young Leadership vs Experienced Captaincy

India will be led by 25-year-old Shubman Gill, taking on his first full-time leadership role in Test cricket. His counterpart, England’s 34-year-old Ben Stokes, brings with him vast experience and an aggressive mindset that has redefined England's red-ball cricket in recent years.

Key Players to Watch

India

Yashasvi Jaiswal: India’s most consistent Test batter in the past year, scoring 770 runs at an average of 40.52 in 10 matches.

Rishabh Pant: Returning to full fitness, the dynamic wicketkeeper has tallied 677 runs with one century and four fifties in the same period.

Jasprit Bumrah: The pace spearhead, with 46 wickets in his last 9 games, leads a potent Indian bowling attack also featuring Mohammad Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, and Arshdeep Singh.

Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav: Spin duo who may prove decisive on a drying Leeds pitch.

England

Joe Root: Continues to be the rock of England’s batting with 1,270 runs in the last 13 Tests, including five centuries.

Harry Brook: The rising star has already made a mark with 1,100 runs in just 12 games.

Chris Woakes: Back in the side, with 32 wickets in his last 9 matches, he will be vital with both bat and ball.

Shoaib Bashir: Emerging spinner with 32 wickets in 12 matches, expected to exploit the dry pitch conditions.

Pitch and Weather Report

The Headingley pitch is expected to offer early movement on Day 1, but as the game progresses, it should become increasingly batter-friendly. Due to an unusually dry spell in Leeds — no rain since February — the surface is harder than usual. Curator Richard Robinson has indicated that batting will become easier as the game goes on.

Weather, however, could play a spoil-sport. While Day 1 is expected to be dry with a high of 30°C, forecasts suggest rain interruptions on Days 2 and 3 (66% and 61% chances, respectively). Day 4 is likely to be sunny, but rain could return on Day 5.

Head-to-Head Record

Total Tests Played: 136

England Wins: 51

India Wins: 35

Draws: 50

Test Series Played: 36

England Wins: 19

India Wins: 12

Draws: 5

In England:

Series Played: 19

India Wins: 3 (last in 2007)

England Wins: 14

Draws: 2

Likely Playing XIs

India:

Shubman Gill (C), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Rishabh Pant (VC/WK), Karun Nair, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Siraj, Prasidh Krishna.

England:

Ben Stokes (C), Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jamie Smith (WK), Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue, Shoaib Bashir.

Where to Watch

The match will be broadcast live on:

TV Channels: Sony Sports 1, Sony Sports 5, Sony Sports 3 (Hindi), Sony Sports 4 (Tamil & Telugu)

Live Streaming: JioCinema and Sony LIV

Final Thoughts

The stage is set for a riveting series between two cricketing powerhouses. While England will count on their home advantage and strong recent form, India arrives with a mix of youth and experience, hungry to start a new era under Shubman Gill. The WTC points at stake add another layer of intensity. Fans can expect high-quality cricket, strategic battles, and a clash rich with history and emotion.