The Ind Vs Eng series opens at Headingley, Leeds, on 20 June 2025, marking the commencement of a five-match Test series. This contest is not just a bilateral rivalry but also the starting point of the 2025–27 ICC World Test Championship–a fact underscored by the launch of the newly introduced Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy, celebrating legends from both nations. It sets the tone for the upcoming WTC cycle and introduces a fresh chapter in Test cricket.
The historical rivalry between India and England is both rich and competitive. To date, the two sides have played 136 Test matches, with England winning 51, India securing 35, and 50 games drawn. A sharper look at England’s home record reveals 67 Tests in England, with India triumphing just nine times, highlighting the challenge of touring the swinging English conditions. Beyond historical bragging rights, this series is a critical ICC WTC opener. It sets the foundation for both nations’ trajectories over the next two years. A strong start can boost team morale, momentum, and confidence, especially in the highly competitive WTC structure.
Schedule
1st Test – June 20–24, 2025
Venue: Headingley, Leeds
Time: 3:30 PM PST / 4:00 PM IST / 10:30 AM GMT
2nd Test – July 2–6, 2025
Venue: Edgbaston, Birmingham
Time: 3:30 PM PST / 4:00 PM IST / 10:30 AM GMT
3rd Test – July 10–14, 2025
Venue: Lord’s, London
Time: 3:30 PM PST / 4:00 PM IST / 10:30 AM GMT
4th Test – July 23–27, 2025
Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester
Time: 3:30 PM PST / 4:00 PM IST / 10:30 AM GMT
5th Test – July 31–August 4, 2025
Venue: The Oval, London
Time: 3:30 PM PST / 4:00 PM IST / 10:30 AM GMT
Squads
India
Shubman Gill (captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel (wicketkeeper), KS Bharat (wicketkeeper), Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, R Ashwin, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah (vice-captain), Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, and Mukesh Kumar.
England
Ben Stokes (captain), Joe Root, Zak Crawley, Ollie Pope, Harry Brook, Ben Duckett, Jonny Bairstow (wicketkeeper), Ben Foakes (wicketkeeper), Chris Woakes, Mark Wood, Gus Atkinson, Ollie Robinson, James Rew, Jack Leach, Rehan Ahmed, and Tom Hartley.
Conclusion
This series carries profound significance for India, as it represents a transition into a new era under Shubman Gill, who assumes Test captaincy after the departure of veterans like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravichandran Ashwin. A series win, especially on English soil, would be a major statement, breaking their 18-year-long away-series drought and positioning Gill alongside greats such as Ajit Wadekar, Kapil Dev, and Rahul Dravid.
For England, this series tests the durability of their Bazball-era approach forged under Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum. With James Anderson retired, responsibility falls on a growing pace attack (Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, etc.) to challenge a rebuilt Indian batting line-up led by Gill . England will be determined to assert dominance at home and secure the inaugural Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy. Recent form adds intrigue. India returned home after a dominant 4–1 series win over England, while England have been inconsistent in red-ball Tests abroad . A reversal on English soil would reaffirm India’s growing reputation, while a British triumph would validate the Bazball strategy and home advantage.
Broadcasters such as Sony Sports and JioHotstar in India, and Sky Sports in England, will televise the five Tests. Given the commercial weight—ECB terms it on par with the Ashes—the series is not just about sport but about national pride and revenue. Both nations will strive to claim the first edition of the Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy, making it a compelling battle on and off the field.
