India vs England 1st test: Check date, time, venue, squads, predicted playing XI and other details

By Admin

19 Jun, 2025

A thrilling chapter in Test cricket is about to unfold as India takes on England in the first of five highly anticipated matches in the 2025 Test series. The battle begins on June 20 at the iconic Headingley Stadium in Leeds, a venue known for its gripping encounters and challenging conditions. This series not only marks a crucial away tour for India but also launches their campaign in the new World Test Championship (WTC) 2025–27 cycle.

A New Era Begins for Team India

The first Test signifies more than just the start of a series it signals a new beginning for Indian Test cricket. With stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma having retired from the red-ball format, the baton has been passed to Shubman Gill, who will lead the team for the first time in a major overseas assignment. Backing him as vice-captain and wicketkeeper is the dynamic Rishabh Pant.

India has reached the WTC final twice in 2019–21 and 2021–23 only to fall short on both occasions. A powerful start in England could set the tone for a successful campaign as they hunt for their maiden WTC crown.

Match Schedule and Broadcast Info

• Match Dates: June 20–24, 2025
  
  

• Venue: Headingley, Leeds
  
  

• Match Time: 3:30 PM IST
  
  

• Toss Time: 3:00 PM IST
  
  

• Live Telecast: Sony Sports Network
  
  

• Live Streaming: JioHotstar app and website
  
  

Weather Forecast for Leeds

According to the BBC, Leeds will witness sunny and bright weather for the first three days, with temperatures peaking at 29°C. However, the last two days could see a dip to 23°C with light showers, which may play a role in the match outcome.

Pitch Report: Headingley Conditions

Headingley is known for its fair and fluctuating nature. Initially, batters are expected to find value for their shots, but as the Test progresses, spinners are likely to gain control. Cloudy skies could assist the pacers, especially with seam and swing movement, making it a balanced surface for both departments.

Predicted Playing XIs

India:
Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (c), Karun Nair, Rishabh Pant (vc & wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah, Prasidh Krishna.

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

Team Squads

India’s Full Squad:
Shubman Gill (c), Rishabh Pant (wk), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Karun Nair, Nitish Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana.

England Squad for 1st Test:
Ben Stokes (c), Joe Root, Jamie Smith (wk), Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Sam Cook, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jamie Overton, Ollie Pope, Josh Tongue, Chris Woakes.

Full Test Series Schedule

• 1st Test: June 20–24 | Leeds
  
  

• 2nd Test: July 2–5 | Birmingham
  
  

• 3rd Test: July 10–14 | London
  
  

• 4th Test: July 23–27 | Manchester
  
  

• 5th Test: July 31–August 4 | London
  
  

As cricket fans around the world gear up for this high-octane Test battle, all eyes will be on how India’s new leadership and fresh faces tackle the formidable English side on their home turf. Let the red-ball drama begin!