England U19 vs India U19: 1st Youth Test – Preview (July 12, 2025)

Venue: Kent County Cricket Ground, Beckenham, England
Date & Time: July 12, 2025, 11:00 AM GMT
Series: India Under19 tour of England, 2025 (1st Youth Test)
Format: 4-day Youth Test Match

Match Overview

The 1st Youth Test of the India Under19 tour of England, 2025, will take place at the Kent County Cricket Ground in Beckenham, starting on Saturday, July 12, 2025. This match marks a significant step for both teams as they transition from limited-overs cricket to the longer format. The series comes on the heels of India's 3-2 victory in the 5-match Youth ODI series, but the Test format offers a fresh challenge, testing patience, technique, and mental fortitude.

Team Strengths & Key Players

England U19

Led by captain Thomas Reeve, the English side will look to leverage home advantage and experience on a familiar pitch. The team features promising talents like Ben Mayes, BJ Dawkins, and Rocky Flintoff, the son of former England star Andrew Flintoff. Flintoff, in particular, is expected to contribute with both bat and ball, adding all-round value to the side.

• Key Batsmen: Ben Mayes, BJ Dawkins, Thomas Reeve
• Key Bowlers: Ralphie Albert, Rocky Flintoff
• Wicketkeeper: Thomas Reeve (also captain)

India U19

India, led by Ayush Mhatre, enters the match with a recent ODI series win under their belt. The team's batting strength is led by Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who has been in scintillating form in recent youth tournaments. The bowling attack includes Naman Pushpak and Yudhajit Guha, who are expected to provide early breakthroughs and sustained pressure.

• Key Batsmen: Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Ayush Mhatre
• Key Bowlers: Naman Pushpak, Yudhajit Guha
• All-rounders: RS Ambris, Kanishk Chauhan
• Wicketkeeper: Abhigyan Kundu

Pitch & Conditions

The Kent County Cricket Ground is known for hosting competitive Test matches, with the pitch typically offering a balance between pace and spin. Early in the game, fast bowlers are likely to benefit from the green tinge of the surface, while the turn and bounce may increase on the middle and final days. With four days to play, both teams will need to build strong foundations and manage their resources carefully.

Fantasy Tips & Dream11 Prediction

Top Captaincy Choices:

• Batters: Vaibhav Suryavanshi (IND U19), Ben Mayes (ENG U19)
• Allrounders: Rocky Flintoff (ENG U19), Kanishk Chauhan (IND U19)
• Bowlers: Yudhajit Guha (IND U19), Naman Pushpak (IND U19)

Dream11 Team Prediction:

• Wicketkeepers: Thomas Reeve (ENG U19), Abhigyan Kundu (IND U19)
• Batsmen: Vaibhav Suryavanshi (IND U19), Ben Mayes (ENG U19), Ayush Mhatre (IND U19)
• Allrounders: Rocky Flintoff (ENG U19), RS Ambris (IND U19), Kanishk Chauhan (IND U19)
• Bowlers: Yudhajit Guha (IND U19), Naman Pushpak (IND U19), Ralphie Albert (ENG U19)

Match Prediction

India U19 has the momentum from their recent ODI series win, but England U19 will be eager to prove themselves in the longer format. With the match scheduled for four days, it could be a tight contest that goes down to the wire. If India manages to build a significant lead in the first innings, they might edge closer to victory. However, England’s home advantage and the potential of their bowlers could see them wrest control. A draw remains a strong possibility.

Prediction:
India U19 to win with a narrow margin, or a closely fought draw.

Live Coverage

• Live Streaming: ECB's official website or YouTube channel
• Live Scores: Available on major cricket websites
• Broadcast in India: May not be available on TV in India; follow live scores online

Final Thoughts

This Youth Test promises to be a high-quality contest between two emerging cricketing nations. With the spotlight on future stars like Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Rocky Flintoff, fans can look forward to a display of skill, determination, and the raw talent of the next generation. The pitch at Beckenham will play a crucial role, and whichever side adapts better to the conditions could walk away with the spoils.

Who will make the bigger impact in this 1st Youth Test? Stay tuned for the action starting Saturday, July 12, 2025 at 11:00 AM GMT!
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