England vs India 1st Test Match Preview – June 20, 2025 (11:00 GMT)

Match Details

• Teams: England vs India
• Venue: Headingley, Leeds
• Date & Time: June 20, 2025 – 11:00 GMT (3:30 PM IST)
• Format: Test Match
• Series: India’s Tour of England 2025 (1st of 5 Tests)
• Part of: 2025-27 ICC World Test Championship Cycle
• Live Streaming: Jio Hotstar
• Live Broadcast: Sony Sports Network

Series Context

The 1st Test between England and India marks the start of a five-match Test series that will form a crucial part of the 2025-27 ICC World Test Championship cycle. This is India’s first Test tour of England since 2021, and it comes at a pivotal time for both teams as they look to build momentum ahead of the next major ICC event.

India, led by Shubman Gill, will be aiming to replicate the success of the 2023 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia and continue their dominance in overseas Test cricket. England, captained by Ben Stokes, will be determined to end their recent poor run against India and build on their recent home successes.

Venue and Conditions

Headingley, Leeds, is a classic English Test venue, known for its lively pace and greenish pitches in the early stages of the game. The first session on Day 1 is often a battle for the batters, with the fast bowlers holding the upper hand. However, if the openers can survive the initial hostility, the pitch can support high-scoring contests.

Weather Outlook:
The match is expected to be played in fine weather with no rain interruptions. Daytime temperatures are projected to reach 28°C, with a high of 15°C at night. Conditions are expected to be ideal for a full five-day Test.

India Playing XI (Predicted)

1. Yashasvi Jaiswal
2. KL Rahul
3. Shubman Gill (Captain)
4. Sai Sudharsan
5. Rishabh Pant (Wicketkeeper)
6. Karun Nair / Nitish Kumar Reddy
7. Ravindra Jadeja
8. Shardul Thakur
9. Jasprit Bumrah
10. Mohammed Siraj
11. Prasidh Krishna

Key Notes:

• Shubman Gill will make his debut as India's Test captain, and there is a strong belief within the camp that he is ready for the role. Gill has learned from Rohit Sharma's leadership and is expected to bring a calm and composed approach.
• The top order of Jaiswal and Rahul will be key to setting the tone. Both have shown promise in recent series and are expected to provide a solid start.
• Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja are the experienced hands in the middle and lower order, expected to provide stability and contribute with the ball as well.
• The pace attack is led by Jasprit Bumrah, with Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna offering valuable support. Shardul Thakur adds all-round depth.

England Playing XI (Predicted)

1. Zak Crawley
2. Ben Duckett
3. Ollie Pope
4. Joe Root
5. Harry Brook
6. Ben Stokes (Captain)
7. Jamie Smith (Wicketkeeper)
8. Rajesh Patel / Jamie Overton
9. Brydon Carse
10. Chris Woakes
11. Shoaib Bashir

Key Notes:

• Ben Stokes will be eager to lead England to victory in his home conditions and continue his fine Test form.
• The middle order is a blend of experience and youth, with Joe Root and Harry Brook expected to play pivotal roles.
• England’s pace attack will be spearheaded by Chris Woakes and Brydon Carse, while Shoaib Bashir adds spin options.

Head-to-Head

• Matches Played: 136
• England Wins: 51
• India Wins: 35
• Draws: 50

England holds the advantage in the head-to-head record, but India has been increasingly competitive on English soil in recent years.

Key Matchups to Watch

• Jasprit Bumrah vs Zak Crawley/Ben Duckett: Bumrah will look to exploit the early conditions and disrupt England's openers.
• Shubman Gill vs Brydon Carse: The Indian captain will need to stay calm under pressure and counter the swing and bounce from the fast bowlers.
• Ravindra Jadeja vs Jamie Smith: Jadeja’s spin will be crucial in the middle and final sessions, and Jamie Smith will be tested against the turn.
• Joe Root vs Jasprit Bumrah: One of the most anticipated battles of the match, with Root looking to counter Bumrah’s accuracy and aggression.

Match Prediction

The 1st Test promises to be a thrilling contest between two of the world’s leading Test teams. While England will be the favorites given their home advantage and the nature of the Headingley pitch, India will go into the match with confidence after their recent overseas successes.

India’s strong batting depth, led by a captain with a clear vision, could make the difference if they can post a competitive total. However, England’s pace attack and tactical acumen under Stokes cannot be underestimated.

Prediction: England to win by a narrow margin, but India will put up a strong fight and keep the series level.

Players to Watch

India:

• Shubman Gill – Captain and key run-scorer
• Jasprit Bumrah – The spearhead of the pace attack
• Rishabh Pant – Expected to stabilize the innings and contribute with the gloves
• Yashasvi Jaiswal – Exciting opener
• Ravindra Jadeja – All-round threat with bat and ball

England:

• Joe Root – The experienced middle-order anchor
• Ben Stokes – Captain and key performer
• Brydon Carse – Pace threat with ability to swing the ball
• Harry Brook – Emerging star with big-hitting ability
• Shoaib Bashir – Spin threat in the middle overs

Conclusion

The 1st Test between England and India at Headingley is set to be a high-stakes encounter with plenty of intrigue. India, under Gill, will look to build a strong foundation in the series, while England will aim to capitalize on their home advantage and start the series on a high. With both teams in good form and the pitch offering a blend of challenge and opportunity, fans can expect a classic Test match packed with drama and intensity.

Final Verdict: England to win, but India to fight back strongly.