England vs India 1st Test 2025: Clash of Titans at Headingley – Who Will Draw First Blood?

The wait is finally over! Two cricketing giants, England and India, are ready to lock horns in the 1st Test match of the much-anticipated India tour of England 2025. The match will take place on 20th June at the historic Headingley Stadium in Leeds, with the action starting from 3:30 PM IST.

With both teams undergoing transition phases and some legendary players retiring, this Test match is expected to kick off a fresh chapter in the classic rivalry.

🏏 A Fresh-Looking India Without Rohit & Kohli

For the first time in over a decade, India will play a Test without Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, both of whom recently announced their retirement from the longest format. Shubman Gill, India’s promising opener, has been handed the captaincy and will lead a young, energetic squad that includes Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, and Rishabh Pant.

India's bowling unit looks threatening with Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Ravindra Jadeja expected to play a pivotal role in swinging English conditions.

🏴 England Look to Extend Dominance at Home

England are back on home soil after a successful white-ball tour of the West Indies. Ben Stokes leads a team that combines experience and youth, with seasoned players like Joe Root and Zak Crawley teaming up with rising stars such as Harry Brook and Shoaib Bashir.

Their bowling attack, spearheaded by Brydon Carse and Sam Cook, will aim to exploit the Headingley surface early on.

🏟️ Pitch & Weather Conditions at Headingley

Headingley has traditionally favored bowlers in the early days, but as the match progresses, it flattens out and allows batters to settle in. The average first innings score at this venue is around 304–310. With a slight chance of rain and cloudy skies, swing bowlers from both sides will be eager to make early inroads.

• Pitch Type: Balanced but initially bowler-friendly

• Weather: Cloudy, 10–20% chance of rain

• Best Suited For: Bowlers early on; batters later

• Historic Win Record: Teams batting second have a slightly better win rate

👑 Key Players to Watch

🔥 For England:

• Joe Root – 2846 runs in 55 Tests vs India

• Ollie Pope – Solid in the middle order

• Shoaib Bashir – Emerging spinner with 17 wickets in 5 Tests vs India

🔥 For India:

• Yashasvi Jaiswal – 712 runs in just 9 Tests vs England

• Shubman Gill – Captain with big-match temperament

• Jasprit Bumrah – 60 wickets in 26 Tests against England

🔮 Match Prediction Preview

India appears to have a slightly stronger batting depth despite playing without two legends. If their bowlers deliver early, and the batters apply themselves, India could edge out England in this match. However, England’s familiarity with home conditions makes this a tight contest.

📎 Want the Full Match Analysis and Dream11 Tips?

For in-depth fantasy cricket tips, pitch breakdown, player stats, and playing 11 predictions, check out the full coverage on Fantasy Khiladi:
👉 ENG vs IND 1st Test Match Prediction – Playing 11, Pitch Report & More

⚠️ Disclaimer

This prediction is based on stats, recent form, and pitch conditions. Always refer to official sources and make your fantasy or betting decisions wisely.