Table of Contents
- India’s Test transition under Shubman Gill begins at Headingley
- The Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy: Clash between England and India
- England’s playing XI for the series opener at Headingley
- ENG vs IND, Squads
- India Tour of England 2025: Complete Test series schedule and venue details
- Broadcast and Live Streaming details
As India and England prepare to lock horns in the opening Test at Headingley, Leeds on June 20, 2025, anticipation runs high with the series marking the start of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) cycle 2025-27.
India’s Test transition under Shubman Gill begins at Headingley
India, in particular, enters uncharted territory with Shubman Gill taking over the reins from Rohit Sharma, who announced his retirement from the longest format earlier this year. Rishabh Pant, returning to a leadership role after a stellar comeback, has been appointed as the vice-captain. With Virat Kohli also stepping away from Test cricket, India will field a side devoid of its most influential figures of the past decade, thereby officially turning the page to the next generation of red-ball hopefuls. The series stretches across England’s most iconic venues, Headingley, Edgbaston, Lord’s, Old Trafford, and Kennington Oval, promising a grueling but defining challenge for Gill’s youthful squad.
The Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy: Clash between England and India
This five-match Test series carries added historical significance as it inaugurates the Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy, a tribute to the monumental careers of Sachin Tendulkar and James Anderson, legends from opposite sides who defined eras of excellence.
For England, the series is equally pivotal as they look to reinforce their dominance at home under the aggressive ‘Bazball’ doctrine led by Ben Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum. The hosts have a formidable record in England since McCullum took over, winning 15 of their last 20 home Tests. The brand of high-risk, high-reward cricket that England have adopted is tailor-made for their conditions, and it is under these bright lights of innovation and tradition that the new WTC cycle kicks off. For India, without the guiding hands of Kohli and Rohit, the challenge is immense but offers a clean slate, an opportunity to shape a new legacy, one defined by grit, adaptability, and youth-led resilience.
Also READ: Ben Stokes highlights what Team India will miss in the upcoming Test series against England
England’s playing XI for the series opener at Headingley
Ahead of the series opener, England have named their playing XI under the leadership of Ben Stokes. Veteran all-rounder Chris Woakes returns to bolster the seam attack, marking his first Test appearance since December 2024. Woakes’ ability to swing the ball in English conditions and contribute valuable lower-order runs makes him a crucial cog in the English lineup.
Also earning a significant spot is Brydon Carse, the tall and pacey Durham quick, who will make his home Test debut after previously playing five overseas Tests in Pakistan and New Zealand. Carse’s inclusion hints at England’s intention to maintain a relentless pace attack, capitalizing on early summer conditions expected to aid fast bowlers. With the likes of challenge a transitioning Indian outfit. As the countdown begins, Headingley is poised to witness not just a match but the birth of a new narrative in the world of Test cricket.
ENG vs IND, Squads:
England (Only for 1st Test): Ben Stokes (captain), Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Sam Cook, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jamie Overton, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jamie Smith, Josh Tongue, Chris Woakes
India: Shubman Gill (C), Rishabh Pant (VC, WK), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Karun Nair, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohd. Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav
India Tour of England 2025: Complete Test series schedule and venue details
| Test No. | Dates | Match Details | Venue | Start Time (GMT / IST / Local) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Test | Jun 20 (Fri) – Jun 24 (Tue) | England vs India | Headingley, Leeds | 10:00 AM GMT / 3:30 PM IST / 11:00 AM Local |
| 2nd Test | Jul 02 (Wed) – Jul 06 (Sun) | England vs India | Edgbaston, Birmingham | 10:00 AM GMT / 3:30 PM IST / 11:00 AM Local |
| 3rd Test | Jul 10 (Thu) – Jul 14 (Mon) | England vs India | Lord’s, London | 10:00 AM GMT / 3:30 PM IST / 11:00 AM Local |
| 4th Test | Jul 23 (Wed) – Jul 27 (Sun) | England vs India | Old Trafford, Manchester | 10:00 AM GMT / 3:30 PM IST / 11:00 AM Local |
| 5th Test | Jul 31 (Thu) – Aug 04 (Mon) | England vs India | Kennington Oval, London | 10:00 AM GMT / 3:30 PM IST / 11:00 AM Local |
Broadcast and Live Streaming details
- India: Sony Sports Network (Sony Sports 1, Sony Sports 5, Sony Sports 3 (Hindi), and Sony Sports 4 (Tamil and Telugu)), Sony Liv, JioHotstar app and website
- Australia: Fox Sports, Kayo Sports and Foxtel Go
- South Africa: SuperSport
- Pakistan: Tapmad
- UK: Sky Sports, NOW, Sky Go
- USA and Canada: Willow TV [Sign up here]
Also READ: “Those battles we had…”: Joe Root reflects on Virat Kohli ahead of England Test series
