The much-anticipated India vs England Test series kicks off today, June 20, 2025, at Headingley, Leeds, marking the start of the 2025-27 ICC World Test Championship cycle. With India under new captain
Shubman Gill and England led by Ben Stokes, this five-match series promises high-octane cricket, contrasting styles, and fierce competition. Here’s your SEO-optimized preview of the 1st Test,
covering key players, team news, pitch conditions, weather, and how to watch live.

Match Details

Date: June 20–24, 2025
Venue: Headingley Cricket Ground, Leeds
Time: 3:30 PM IST (10:00 AM GMT)
Live Streaming: Sony Sports Network, JioHotstar
Series: Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy

India’s New Era Under Shubman Gill

India enters this series without stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who retired from Test cricket, thrusting Shubman Gill into the captaincy spotlight. Gill, leading a young squad, faces the challenge
of filling the void left by these legends. The team’s recent 3-0 loss to New Zealand and 3-1 defeat in Australia have raised questions about their batting depth, but their bowling attack, led by Jasprit Bumrah,
remains a potent force.

India’s Probable Playing XI

Yashasvi Jaiswal
KL Rahul
Abhimanyu Easwaran/Sai Sudharsan
Shubman Gill (c)
Rishabh Pant (wk, vc)
Karun Nair
Nitish Kumar Reddy
Ravindra Jadeja
Kuldeep Yadav
Mohammed Siraj
Jasprit Bumrah

Key Players to Watch:

Jasprit Bumrah: With a Test bowling average of 19.4, the best for bowlers with 150+ wickets, Bumrah will spearhead India’s pace attack. His ability to keep the ball on the stumps will be crucial in Leeds’
seaming conditions. Yashasvi Jaiswal: The young opener impressed in the India A vs England
Lions game, scoring a brisk 64. His aggressive starts could counter England’s “Bazball” approach.
Shubman Gill: As captain, Gill’s leadership and batting at No. 4 will be under scrutiny. His cheeky response to a “Bazball” query shows confidence, but can he deliver?

England’s Bazball Revolution

England, under Ben Stokes, has embraced an ultra-aggressive “Bazball” style, boasting a scoring rate of 4.63 runs per over since June 2022—the highest among Test teams. However, their bowling unit,
missing Stuart Broad and James Anderson, looks inexperienced. Stokes has emphasized smarter decision-making and absorbing pressure, key to taking 20 Indian wickets.

England’s Confirmed Playing XI

Zak Crawley
Ben Duckett
Ollie Pope
Joe Root
Harry Brook
Ben Stokes (c)
Jamie Smith (wk)
Chris Woakes
Brydon Carse
Josh Tongue
Shoaib Bashir

Key Players to Watch:

Joe Root: With 13,006 Test runs, Root is on the cusp of surpassing Rahul Dravid and Jacques Kallis on the all-time list. His battle with Bumrah will be a highlight. Ben Stokes: The England captain’s all-round prowess and leadership will be pivotal. His focus on taking 20 wickets underscores England’s strategy.
Shoaib Bashir: The young spinner faces a tough challenge against India’s spin-playing batters, but his inclusion signals England’s intent to exploit dry conditions.

Pitch and Weather Conditions

The Headingley pitch is expected to assist seamers early, with overcast conditions favoring swing bowling. Dry weather is forecast for June 20, with temperatures between 15–28°C and no rain expected, ensuring a full day’s play. Spinners like Kuldeep Yadav or Ravindra Jadeja could come into play later if the pitch deteriorates.

Head-to-Head and Recent Form

India drew 2-2 in their last England tour in 2021, showcasing resilience. However, their recent Test form (L 3-0 vs NZ, L 3-1 vs AUS) raises concerns. England, with eight series wins since adopting Bazball, are favorites at home, but their bowling inexperience could be a weakness. Dale Steyn predicts a close 3-2 series win for England.

Key Battles to Watch

Root vs Bumrah: Root’s technique against Bumrah’s pace and movement will define England’s batting fortunes. Jaiswal vs Duckett: Both openers are aggressive, setting the tone for
their teams. Bazball vs India’s Bowling: England’s high-risk batting faces a stern test against Bumrah, Siraj, and Jadeja.

Live Streaming and Broadcast

Fans in India can catch the action live on Sony Sports Network, with streaming available on JioHotstar. Matches start at 3:30 PM IST. For global viewers, check local listings or ESPNcricinfo for live scores
and updates.

Prediction

India’s potent bowling gives them an edge, but their inexperienced batting lineup faces a stern test against England’s aggressive approach. Expect a close contest, with India’s bowlers likely to keep
them competitive. England’s home advantage and Bazball flair make them slight favorites, but Bumrah could tilt the scales.

Stay tuned for live updates, match highlights, and in-depth analysis of the India vs England 1st Test on June 20, 2025. Follow the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series for a thrilling start to the WTC cycle!

Keywords: India vs England 2025, 1st Test preview, Shubman Gill captaincy, Bazball, Jasprit Bumrah, Joe Root, Headingley Test, World Test Championship, live streaming, Sony Sports, JioHotstar

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