India vs England Test Series 2025: Ultimate Preview, Squads, and Predictions
Introduction to the India vs England Test Series 2025
The India vs England Test Series 2025 is set to ignite cricket fever as two cricketing giants clash in a five-match Test series, kicking off the 2025–2027 ICC World Test Championship cycle. With India departing for England on June 7, 2025, as confirmed by the BCCI (@BCCI), the anticipation is palpable. The series begins with the India vs England First Test Match on June 20, 2025, at Headingley, Leeds, promising intense battles on iconic English grounds. This blog post dives into the India vs England Test Series Match details, squad information, player performances, venue insights, and predictions, including who might shine as the Player of the Match and the most dismissable bowler. We’ll also analyze whether the first batting team will benefit from light conditions or if the second batting team will face the Duke ball’s wrath.
Series Schedule: India vs England Test Series 2025
The India vs England Test Series comprises five Test matches across historic venues, each starting at 11:00 AM local time (3:30 PM IST). Here’s the full schedule:
- 1st Test: June 20–24, 2025, Headingley, Leeds
- 2nd Test: July 2–6, 2025, Edgbaston, Birmingham
- 3rd Test: July 10–14, 2025, Lord’s, London
- 4th Test: July 23–27, 2025, Old Trafford, Manchester
- 5th Test: July 31–August 4, 2025, The Oval, London
Each India vs England Test Series Match promises unique challenges due to varying pitch conditions and weather, with England’s swinging Duke ball testing India’s batters and India’s pace attack aiming to exploit English conditions.
Series Schedule: India vs England First Match Test Series 2025
India’s Squad: Team vs Team Breakdown
The BCCI announced an 18-member squad for the India vs England Test Series, led by Shubman Gill, with Rishabh Pant as vice-captain. The squad blends youth and experience, especially after the retirements of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Here’s the Indian team playing 15 for the first Test (projected based on recent performances and reports):
- Yashasvi Jaiswal – Aggressive opener, scored brisk fifties in India A matches.
- KL Rahul – Experienced batter, likely to open, with a century in the intra-squad game.
- Sai Sudharsan – Newcomer, Orange Cap holder in IPL 2025, poised for Test debut.
- Shubman Gill (C) – Captain, batting at No. 4, scored 600+ runs in IPL 2025.
- Rishabh Pant (VC & WK) – Explosive keeper-batter, key since 2020 with 2194 Test runs.
- Karun Nair – Returning veteran, scored 850+ runs in Ranji Trophy 2024-25.
- Nitish Kumar Reddy – All-rounder, building bowling workload, scored a fifty vs. England Lions.
- Ravindra Jadeja – Spin-bowling all-rounder, crucial for balance with bat and ball.
- Kuldeep Yadav – Wrist-spinner, expected to be the X-factor on turning pitches.
- Jasprit Bumrah – Pace spearhead, workload management critical.
- Mohammed Siraj – Aggressive pacer, key for longer spells.
- Prasidh Krishna – Tall seamer, suited for English conditions.
- Akash Deep – In-form pacer, took wickets in intra-squad game.
- Arshdeep Singh – Left-arm pacer, adds variety.
- Dhruv Jurel (WK) – Backup keeper, scored three fifties in warm-ups.
Newcomers: Sai Sudharsan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Arshdeep Singh are potential debutants, with Sudharsan’s IPL 2025 form (304 runs, including a double century) and Reddy’s all-round promise standing out.
Player Performance Insights:
- Yashasvi Jaiswal’s performance: Scored back-to-back fifties in India A vs. England Lions matches, showing adaptability to English conditions. His aggressive starts will be vital against England’s new ball.
- KL Rahul’s performance: A century in the intra-squad game at Beckenham highlights his form. His versatility across batting positions makes him India’s most reliable batter.
- Shubman Gill’s performance: As captain, Gill’s 600+ runs in IPL 2025 and a fifty in the intra-squad match signal his readiness to lead from the front.
- Rishabh Pant’s performance: Despite a lean IPL 2025 (151 runs), his Test average of 41.39 since 2020, with four centuries, makes him a game-changer.
- Jasprit Bumrah’s performance: Concerns over workload persist, but his ability to swing the Duke ball makes him India’s trump card.
Series Schedule: India vs England First Match Test Series 2025
England’s Squad: Team vs Team Breakdown
England, led by Ben Stokes, announced a 14-member squad for the first Test, with Jamie Overton replacing the injured Gus Atkinson. Here’s the England team playing 15 (projected):
- Zak Crawley – Opener, scored a century in the Zimbabwe series.
- Ben Duckett – Aggressive left-hander, suits England’s “Bazball” approach.
- Jacob Bethell – Young batter, averaged 52 on Test debut in New Zealand.
- Joe Root – England’s backbone, consistent run-scorer.
- Harry Brook – Dynamic middle-order batter, key for quick runs.
- Ben Stokes (C) – All-rounder, leads with aggressive tactics.
- Jonny Bairstow (WK) – Keeper-batter, experienced in home conditions.
- Chris Woakes – Pace-bowling all-rounder, returning from injury.
- Jamie Overton – Fast-bowling all-rounder, Test comeback after 2022.
- Sam Cook – Seamer, offers control with the Duke ball.
- Brydon Carse – Pacer, back from injury, adds pace.
- Jack Leach – Lead spinner, effective at home.
- Rehan Ahmed – Young leg-spinner, potential X-factor.
- Olly Stone – Reserve pacer, known for express pace.
- Josh Tongue – Seamer, fitness concerns linger.
Newcomers: Jacob Bethell, a 21-year-old batter, and Jamie Overton, returning after a single Test in 2022, add fresh energy.
Player Performance Insights:
- Joe Root’s performance: A consistent run-machine, Root’s recent centuries in Zimbabwe make him England’s biggest threat.
- Ben Stokes’ performance: His all-round prowess and aggressive captaincy will drive England’s “Bazball” strategy.
- Jacob Bethell’s performance: Averaged 52 in New Zealand, adding depth to England’s batting.
- Chris Woakes’ performance: Returning from injury, his swing bowling will be crucial in Leeds’ conditions.
Series Schedule: India vs England First Match Test Series 2025
India vs England First Test Match Pre-Match Analysis
The India vs England First Test Match at Headingley, Leeds, from June 20–24, 2025, sets the tone for the series. Here’s a detailed pre-match analysis:
- Venue: Headingley, Leeds:
- Ground Information: Known for swing and seam movement, Headingley’s pitch assists pacers early due to overcast conditions and the Duke ball’s pronounced swing. The average first-innings score is around 300, but early moisture can make batting tricky. Later, the pitch flattens, benefiting the second batting team if they survive the new ball.
- First Batting Team Advantage: Teams batting first often face challenges from the Duke ball’s swing under cloudy skies. However, surviving the first session can lead to big scores as the pitch eases. The second batting team may face a worn Duke ball, reducing swing but increasing reverse swing potential for skilled bowlers like Bumrah or Woakes.
- Light Conditions: Morning sessions under overcast skies favor bowlers, especially in June. Teams winning the toss may opt to bowl first to exploit early swing.
- Key Battles:
- Yashasvi Jaiswal vs. Chris Woakes: Jaiswal’s aggressive starts will be tested by Woakes’ swing in English conditions.
- Joe Root vs. Jasprit Bumrah: Root’s technique against Bumrah’s pace and reverse swing will be pivotal.
- Rishabh Pant vs. Jack Leach: Pant’s attacking play could disrupt England’s spin strategy on a pitch that may turn later.
- Weather: Leeds in June typically sees cool, cloudy weather, aiding swing bowling. Rain interruptions are possible, so teams must maximize clear sessions.
Predictions: Player of the Match and Most Dismissable Bowler
- Player of the Match: Jasprit Bumrah is a strong contender. His ability to exploit Headingley’s swing-friendly conditions with the Duke impression makes him lethal. A five-wicket haul or a match-defining spell could earn him the honors, especially if India bowls first. Alternatively, Joe Root could claim it with a big hundred, given his consistency at home.
- Most Dismissable Bowler: Chris Woakes is likely to be the most dismissable bowler for England, with his swing bowling tailored for Headingley. For India, Jasprit Bumrah will lead dismissals, using pace, swing, and reverse to trouble England’s batters.
Last 5 Match Performances: India and England
Below is a colored table summarizing the last five Test match performances for both teams, based on available data:
| Team | Match | Result | Key Performers |
|---|---|---|---|
| India | vs. Australia, 2024 (5th Test) | Lost by 184 runs | Bumrah (5 wickets), Pant (50 runs) |
| India | vs. Australia, 2024 (4th Test) | Draw | Jaiswal (70), Rahul (120) |
| India | vs. Australia, 2024 (3rd Test) | Lost by 40 runs | Bumrah (4 wickets), Gill (60 runs) |
| India | vs. Australia, 2024 (2nd Test) | Won by 295 runs | Jaiswal (200), Jadeja (3 wickets) |
| India | vs. Australia, 2024 (1st Test) | Won by 295 runs | Kohli (100), Bumrah (6 wickets) |
| England | vs. Zimbabwe, 2024 | Won by 8 wickets | Root (100), Crawley (80) |
| England | vs. New Zealand, 2024 | Won by 150 runs | Bethell (52 avg), Stokes (3 wickets) |
| England | vs. New Zealand, 2024 | Draw | Brook (90), Woakes (2 wickets) |
| England | vs. India, 2024 (India) | Lost by 434 runs | Root (120), Leach (4 wickets) |
| England | vs. India, 2024 (India) | Lost by 106 runs | Stokes (70), Carse (3 wickets) |
Note: India’s performances are from their 2024 Australia tour, while England’s include recent home and away series.
Venue Insights and Ground Information
Each venue in the India vs England Test Series 2025 has unique characteristics:
- Headingley, Leeds: Swing-friendly, early moisture aids pacers. First batting team faces challenges, but scores can swell if they survive. Average 1st innings: ~300.
- Edgbaston, Birmingham: Balanced pitch, offers bounce for pacers and spin later. Eric Hollies Stand is lively. Average 1st innings: ~320.
- Lord’s, London: The “Home of Cricket,” slope affects bowlers’ lines. Early swing, later batting-friendly. Average 1st innings: ~330.
- Old Trafford, Manchester: Can turn for spinners on days 4–5. Pacers get help early. Average 1st innings: ~310.
- The Oval, London: Flat track, big scores possible. Spinners like Kuldeep may shine late. Average 1st innings: ~350.
India vs England Test Series: Key Storylines
- Shubman Gill’s Captaincy: Leading a transitional side, Gill’s IPL 2025 success (600+ runs) and intra-squad fifty show promise. Can he outsmart Stokes’ “Bazball”?
- India’s Pace Attack: Without Mohammed Shami, Bumrah, Siraj, and Arshdeep must deliver. Arshdeep’s left-arm angle could be a game-changer.
- England’s Young Guns: Bethell and Overton add dynamism, but can they handle India’s spinners like Kuldeep and Jadeja?
- Duke Ball Challenge: The Duke impression will test India’s top order, especially Jaiswal and Sudharsan, while England’s batters face Bumrah’s reverse swing.
How to Watch and Follow
- Live Streaming: Matches will be telecast on Star Sports and Sports18, with streaming on Disney+Hotstar.
- Live Scores: Follow ESPNcricinfo, Cricbuzz, or BCCI’s official website (www.bcci.tv).
- Social Media: BCCI (@BCCI) and ECB (@ECB_cricket) will post real-time updates on X.
Conclusion
The India vs England Test Series 2025 is poised to be a blockbuster, with India’s young brigade under Shubman Gill taking on England’s aggressive “Bazball” side led by Ben Stokes. The India vs England First Test Match at Headingley will set the stage, with Jasprit Bumrah and Joe Root likely to be pivotal. Will India’s pacers dominate with the Duke ball, or will England’s batters capitalize on home conditions? Share your predictions in the comments, and stay tuned for live updates from Leeds!