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India‘s five-match Test series against England will begin on June 20, 2025, at Headingley in Leeds, marking the start of the ICC World Test Championship 2025–27 cycle. The action will then move to Edgbaston in Birmingham for the second Test, scheduled from July 2 to July 6. The much-anticipated third Test will be played at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground in London from July 10 to July 14. Following that, both teams will enjoy a nine-day break before resuming the series with the fourth Test, which will take place at Old Trafford in Manchester from July 23 to July 27. The series will conclude with the fifth and final Test at The Oval in London, running from August 1 to August 5, 2025.
Sourav Ganguly tips favourites for high-stakes England vs India Test clash
With India set to begin their five-match Test series at Headingley in Leeds, former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly has made a bold statement, calling England the favorites going into the high-stakes contest. Speaking during an interview with RevSportz, Ganguly believes that English conditions and India’s transitional phase, especially without senior players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, give England the upper hand. However, he maintained that India could still win if their batters adapt quickly and deliver under pressure.
“I consider England favorites, but then I don’t believe in favorites. If India bat well, they have a chance,” Ganguly said.
India’s previous five-Test series in England (2021–22) had ended in a 2-2 draw, while the most recent red-ball meeting between the sides saw India win 4-1 at home.
Ganguly’s tactical advice vital for India’s success in England
With Jasprit Bumrah having taken 73 wickets in 14 Tests at an average of 15 since early 2024, Ganguly emphasized how vital his fitness and smart usage would be for India’s success in England.
“Hoping Bumrah remains fit for five Test matches. Even if it means giving him a break after the second Test and bringing him back for the fourth and fifth… Shubman Gill needs to understand not to bowl him into the ground. Use him in short spells, use him as a strike weapon,” Ganguly concluded.
He cautioned against overburdening Bumrah and stressed that India must prioritize getting 20 wickets to win Tests, backing a pace-heavy strategy involving Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh and possibly Nitish Kumar Reddy or Shardul Thakur. Bumrah has a strong record in England:37 wickets in 9 Tests at an average of 26.27.
