India's tour of England 2025 kicks off with the first Test at Headingley on June 20. The match starts from 3.30 pm IST and over the next five days is expected to be an enthralling encounter.
The two sides facing off in this series is built very differently. The visitors, Team India, will be without the likes of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Ravichandran Ashwin and Mohammed Shami. For Shubman Gill, India's new Test skipper, this is a litmus test of not only his leadership but also his character.
On the other side are the hosts England, who have a depleted bowling attack in the absence of Mark Wood, Jofra Archer and Gus Atkinson. However, they have an experienced batting lineup and with their experience and attacking style of play will look to challenge India.
Also Read: ENG vs IND: “He’s a Superstar” - Jos Buttler Ranks Jasprit Bumrah as India’s Biggest Weapon
India vs England 1st Test, Match Preview
The series presents a big opportunity for several of the players who are included in the side. Sai Sudharshan and Arshdeep Singh have earned their maiden Test call-ups. Meanwhile, for Karun Nair, he has found a second life in Test cricket and has to make it count. The team management has to get the combination right for the team to be the most effective in the first Test at Headingley. India cannot afford to lose the first Test and winning it will be a challenge.
Many underlining factors makes the first Test an interesting one for India. The side looks promising but they need to play as a unit in the absence of their superstars and need to find a way to win.
For the hosts, England, this Test series is not a warm-up for the Ashes put forward by Graeme Swann. This is an important Test series for them as it is for the visitors. Batting is the stronger of the two aspects for England and is through their batters thay they would like to pile the pressure on India. Joe Root will be the glue with the likes of Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Harry Brook and Ben Stokes as the driving force. England lost the Test series against India last time away from home and at home, they need their inexperienced bowlers to back up their batters to win the series. They start as favourites but certainly knows the challenge India can throw at them.
Also Read: England Predicted XI for IND vs ENG 1st Test
India vs England Head-to-Head
The two teams have played 136 Test matches with India winning 35 Tests while England as many as 51. India won the last Test series at home 4-1 in 2024. The last time India travelled to England they were leading the series 2-1 before the fifth Test was postponed due to covid. England won it in 2022 when India toured back.
India vs England 2025 1st Test Live Streaming Details
When will the IND vs ENG 1st Test match be played?
The match will be played from June 20-24.
Where will the IND vs ENG 1st Test match be played?
The match will be played at Headingley, Leeds.
What time will the IND vs ENG 1st Test match start?
The match will start at 3:30 PM IST.
How to watch the IND vs ENG 1st Test match live on TV?
The match will be broadcast live on the Sony Sports Network.
Where to watch the IND vs ENG 1st Test match Live?
The match will be live-streamed on the JioHotstar app and website.
Also Read: IND vs ENG Pitch Report & Weather Updates at Headingley, Leeds: India tour of England, 1st Test
