ENG vs IND 1st Test Match Prediction, Fantasy Cricket Tips, Pitch Report, and Playing XI of India Tour of England 2025
Credit: ICC

ENG vs IND 1st Test Match Prediction, Fantasy Cricket Tips, Pitch Report, and Playing XI of India Tour of England 2025

England vs India 1st Test Match, India Tour of England 2025 is going on and 1st match played in Headingley, Leeds at 3:30 PM, stay updated with ScoreWaves for England vs India match prediction, fantasy cricket tips, fastest cricket score, latest sports news

Excitement surrounding the cricketing summer in England is at an all-time peak, as the Three Lions get ready to face India at Headingley in the first match of their five-match test series. One of the big talking points going into this series is India’s batting line-up. With Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma calling time on their red-ball careers, the team enters unfamiliar territory. Last month, the selectors met at the BCCI headquarters in Wankhede and handed the reins of the Test side to Shubman Gill, who becomes India’s 37th Test captain. Rishabh Pant, fresh from his return to international cricket, will be his deputy for the tour. 

This is the dawn of a new era for Indian Test cricket. But make no mistake — the challenge ahead is steep. England, led by Ben Stokes, have been dominant at home. Since the start of the Bazball era, they’ve lost just one home series and have only eight defeats in their last 32 Tests played on English soil. That’s an intimidating record to come up against, especially for a debutant captain like Gill. 

To make things even more challenging, India’s track record in SENA countries (South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia) hasn’t been great. Out of their last 21 Tests in these regions, they’ve won only seven. If they have serious ambitions of reaching the 2027 World Test Championship final, they’ll need to find a way to improve that record — and fast. 

Conditions at Headingley might play a key role in how this opening Test unfolds. Pitch curator Richard Robinson expects the surface to offer some help for the fast bowlers on day one before easing out under the heat later in the match. If that turns out to be the case, it could be a double-edged sword. On one hand, it might fuel England’s aggressive brand of cricket, but on the other, it could help India’s young batters settle in and find their feet. 

With the series opener around the corner, both teams have a point to prove. For England, it’s about continuing their strong home form. For India, it’s a chance to make a statement in a new era. Either way, the stage is set for an absorbing contest. 

England vs India Head-to-Head: Who Holds the Advantage?

The cricketing rivalry between India and England has stood the test of time, producing unforgettable matches and cricketing icons. In their long-standing battle, the stats favor the English side. Out of 136 total matches, England has won 51, while India has secured 35 victories, with 50 matches ending in a draw, no result, or being abandoned. These numbers highlight England’s consistent edge, especially when playing at home.
Total Matches Played: 136

ENG Wins: 51
IND Wins: 35
No Result/Abandoned/Drawn Matches: 50

As the 2025 series approaches, the spotlight shifts to Team India’s new leadership under Shubman Gill. Following the successful reigns of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, the team now enters a transitional phase led by the young and dynamic Gill. While his batting brilliance is undeniable, leading the national side—especially in English conditions—is a different ball game.
England, with their home advantage, look strong. The swinging Dukes ball, overcast conditions, and pace-friendly pitches continue to pose challenges for visiting sides. For India, the inexperience of this emerging squad could be a concern. Gill’s men may be brimming with potential, but facing a battle-hardened English unit on their turf is never easy. Despite the odds, this new chapter presents a golden opportunity. It’s a test of India’s next-gen talent, character, and adaptability.

ENG vs IND 1st Test Match Predictions: Who Will Win the Match?
The stage is set for a classic showdown as England and India lock horns in the 1st Test of the Anderson Tendulkar Trophy, igniting one of cricket’s most intense rivalries once again. Scheduled to be played under the swinging skies of England, this match is expected to be a true test of temperament, technique, and leadership. While India has the talent to compete, England will go in as favorites due to home advantage, experience, and the conditions. However, if India’s young guns click, especially the top order and pace attack, an upset could be on the cards. Expect a hard-fought game, with England slightly ahead in the prediction stakes.

Injury Update: No any Injury concerns.

England vs India 1st Test Match Date, Time and Venue:
Match: England vs India 1st Test Match Anderson Tendulkar Trophy 2025
Date: 20-24 June 2025
Time: 8:00 AM IST
Venue: Headingley
Location: Leeds

England vs India 1st Test Match Pitch Report:

The iconic Headingley Cricket Ground in Leeds is set to host the high-octane 1st Test between England and India, and all eyes will be on how the pitch behaves over the five days. Known for its rich history and dramatic Test matches, Headingley has traditionally been a paradise for fast bowlers — especially early on.
Pitch Characteristics
Day 1–2: The pitch at Headingley generally offers plenty of assistance to fast bowlers early on. With a fresh pitch and atmospheric moisture, seam and swing movement will be key. Expect the new ball to do plenty in the first session.
Day 3: The surface tends to settle a bit, offering better conditions for batting. If a team survives the early threat, runs can come easier once the ball gets older.
Day 4–5: As the Test progresses, cracks may open, and spinners can come into play. However, Headingley is not traditionally a turn-heavy venue, so spinners will have to rely on accuracy and bounce.

T20I StatsValue
Total Matches84
Batting First Won29
Bowling First Won36
1st Innings Average Score298
2nd Innings Average Score291
3rd Innings Average Score239
4th Innings Average Score165
Highest Total653/4 (193 Ov) by AUS vs ENG  
Lowest Total61/10 (26.2 Ov) by WI vs ENG

Key Player Matchups to Watch in the 1st Test – England vs India

As the 1st Test between India and England gears up at Headingley, several exciting player battles could define the direction of the match. With both teams loaded with talent, here are the top face-offs that fans should keep a close eye on:

1. Shubman Gill vs Chris Woakes
India’s young skipper Shubman Gill steps into the spotlight in one of the most testing environments for a batter — English conditions. Facing the new ball under cloudy skies won’t be easy, especially with Chris Woakes in the opposition ranks. Known for his ability to swing the ball both ways and extract bounce off the pitch, Woakes will look to exploit any early nerves. Gill’s composure at the top will be vital in ensuring India gets a solid start.

2. Yashasvi Jaiswal vs Jamie Overton
Aggressive and fearless, Yashasvi Jaiswal has quickly become a mainstay in India’s Test top order. But facing someone like Jamie Overton, with his height, pace, and bounce, will be a true test of Jaiswal’s technique and temperament. If Jaiswal gets going, he could put England’s bowlers on the back foot, but Overton’s short balls and seam movement could unsettle him early.

3. Rishabh Pant vs Ben Stokes
The clash between Rishabh Pant and Ben Stokes could light up the middle overs. Pant is known for turning matches with his fearless strokeplay, but Stokes — with his aggressive attitude and knack for delivering under pressure — will aim to break through India’s middle order. If these two engage in a battle of wits and power, expect fireworks.

4. Jasprit Bumrah vs Joe Root
India’s pace maestro Jasprit Bumrah will be targeting none other than England’s most dependable batter, Joe Root. Root’s calm, technical excellence against both pace and spin makes him a tough nut to crack. But Bumrah, with his deadly yorkers and awkward angles, will be India’s best bet to dismantle England’s top order.

5. Ravindra Jadeja vs Harry Brook
In the spin department, Ravindra Jadeja will be key for India — both with the ball and lower-order batting. His duel with England’s rising star Harry Brook, known for his attacking approach, could be crucial. If the pitch begins to wear down in the later days, Jadeja’s accuracy and subtle variations could put Brook under pressure and swing the match India’s way.

Possible Playing 11 for England:

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

Possible playing 11 for India:   

Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill, Karun Nair, Rishabh Pant (WK), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna  

 England vs India Fantasy Team: 

Wicketkeepers: Rishabh Pant

Batsman: Harry BrookBen Duckett, Joe Roo, KL RahulKarun Nair

All-rounders: Ravindra Jadeja, Chris Woakes

Bowlers: Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Josh Tongue

England vs India Team for Today Match:


England vs India Prediction Captain and Vice-Captain:     

Choice 1: Ravindra Jadeja (C), Joe Root (VC)      

Choice 2: Jasprit Bumrah (C), KL Rahul (VC)

England vs India Fantasy Prediction Backups:

Ollie Pope, Jamie Smith, Shubman Gill, Prasidh Krishna     

Disclaimer:     

The author has provided you with the above-mentioned match prediction on the basis of his research, understanding, and analysis, consider the points and make your own decision

Also Read: Harshit Rana Joins India’s Test Squad for Leeds Opener Against England

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