IND vs ENG Live Score: India’s real X-factor
Perhaps for the first time in England, India’s pace attack starts a Test series with a clear edge on paper. Jasprit Bumrah, confirmed fit and raring to go, will lead the attack alongside the relentless Mohammed Siraj.
Both have proven themselves in English conditions and are capable of troubling even the best with their movement and aggression. Bumrah’s ability to deliver spells of sheer magic — especially with the old ball — could be the game-changer for India. Siraj, with his relentless lines and tireless work ethic, complements Bumrah perfectly.
The third pacer is likely to be Prasidh Krishna, who impressed in Australia and offers steep bounce at good pace. The fourth seamer slot may go to Thakur or Nitish, depending on team balance. India’s pace unit will look to make early inroads and put England’s aggressive batting under pressure.
With swing expected early and reverse swing possible later, this Indian attack has the weapons to dominate.
If India are to win at Headingley, their quicks will need to outbowl England’s — a task they are well-equipped to deliver on. Coach Rahul Dravid has emphasised bowling discipline, knowing that early breakthroughs could break England’s Bazball rhythm.
IND vs ENG Live Score, 1st Test Match: Middle-order conundrum
One of the more intriguing selection dilemmas India face is around the No. 6 spot and the all-rounder’s role. Karun Nair has stormed back into contention with a double century in the practice match and is almost certain to return to the Test XI after a seven-year hiatus.
His selection would bolster the middle order with proven temperament and experience. But India must also decide between Shardul Thakur and Nitish Reddy for the fourth seamer/all-rounder role. Shardul brings invaluable Test experience and is known for breaking partnerships and chipping in with handy runs down the order.
However, Nitish Reddy — a bright prospect — impressed in the home series against Australia earlier this year and is seen as an investment for the future. His batting gives India depth, even if his bowling remains a work in progress.
The decision could hinge on pitch conditions — with a green tinge and some grass reportedly left on the surface, India may be tempted to go with four frontline seamers and one all-rounder. Either way, the balance of India’s lower middle order will be critical, especially with England’s seam attack capable of exploiting any weakness between No. 6 to 8.
India vs England Live Score: India’s batting faces the English test
India’s batting unit in this Test series has a fresh look, ushering in a new era in the absence of stalwarts like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.
While KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal provide a steady start at the top, the middle order — with likely debutant Sai Sudharsan at No. 3 and captain Shubman Gill at No. 4 — will be under the spotlight. Sudharsan, with an elegant technique and calm temperament, has impressed in both IPL and red-ball formats. But facing the Dukes ball under English skies will be a true examination of his potential.
Gill’s move to No. 4 gives him a tactical advantage of avoiding the new ball, and it will allow him to play the anchor role, especially if early wickets fall. Rishabh Pant, coming in at No. 5 and also acting as vice-captain, will carry a dual burden — providing counterattack when needed and marshalling the lower order.
His form has been patchy since returning from injury, but his record in overseas Tests offers hope. India will hope the fearless intent of this new generation can translate into resilience, especially in swinging conditions where early collapses can be game-defining.
India vs England Live Score: Ollie Pope retained amid rising pressure
One of the most discussed selections in England’s XI is the retention of Ollie Pope at No. 3. Despite modest numbers against India (average 24.60) and a concerning Ashes record (average 15.70), Pope continues to enjoy the backing of the leadership group. His recent 171 against Zimbabwe may have helped secure his spot, but competition from rising star Jacob Bethell was intense.
Bethell, just 21, had impressed during England’s tour of New Zealand and further underlined his credentials in the IPL for RCB. However, his decision to skip the Zimbabwe Test to play franchise cricket may have played against him. Stokes brushed aside criticism around Pope’s selection, calling the debate a media-driven “agenda”.
It’s clear England see Pope not only as a vice-captain but also as a long-term batting pillar. Still, all eyes will be on him at Headingley, especially against an Indian attack featuring Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj. If Pope falters early in the series, the calls for Bethell could grow louder.
For now, the selectors have chosen continuity over experimentation, hoping Pope can finally translate his domestic dominance into consistency at the international level, particularly in high-stakes encounters like this one.
IND vs ENG Live Score: England Announce XI — Woakes returns, Carse gets home debut
England have named their playing XI well in advance, giving a clear signal of intent and confidence. The return of veteran Chris Woakes after a six-month absence adds experience to both the seam attack and the lower-order batting. Woakes is a proven performer in home conditions, and his ability to swing the ball both ways makes him a potential game-changer.
Another key inclusion is Brydon Carse, who is set to play his maiden Test at home. Carse has already made appearances in overseas Tests in Pakistan and New Zealand, but this will be a litmus test in front of home crowds. The seam-friendly conditions at Headingley could suit both Woakes and Carse, making them critical to England’s bowling plans.
This duo replaces Gus Atkinson, ruled out with injury, and Sam Cook, who drops out after a modest performance against Zimbabwe.
England’s strategy clearly revolves around depth and rotation, and with a five-Test series ahead, early rest and rotation will be crucial. Both inclusions are strategic and reflect Stokes’ pragmatic leadership. With the playing conditions expected to offer movement, the refreshed pace attack could pose serious challenges to a relatively young Indian batting lineup.
India vs England Live Score: New era begins with Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy
The five-match Test series between India and England kicks off at Headingley on June 20, heralding the start of the 2025–27 World Test Championship cycle.
Fittingly, this high-profile series also introduces the newly inaugurated Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, a symbolic nod to two all-time greats from both sides. This naming signifies not only the legacy of red-ball excellence but also the continuity of intense cricketing rivalry. For both teams, this series represents a period of transition — India under the leadership of a fresh captain, Shubman Gill, and England continuing their ‘Bazball’ aggression under Ben Stokes. The opening Test at Headingley carries the weight of history and fresh expectations.
With new players in key roles and some veterans returning, this series promises to test bench strength and tactical evolution. For India, it’s an opportunity to break an 18-year winless streak in England, while for the hosts, it’s about reaffirming their supremacy at home in a post-Anderson era.
The stakes couldn’t be higher, especially as both teams eye valuable WTC points right from the outset. This match is not just a curtain-raiser — it’s a defining contest that will likely shape the summer narrative in both camps.
IND vs ENG Live Score, 1st Test Match: India’s tour of England starts here
Hello and welcome to TimesofIndia.com for live coverage of the 1st Test between India and England!
England XI for 1st Test vs India: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (capt), Jamie Smith (WK), Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue, Shoaib Bashir
India Squad: Shubman Gill (C), Rishabh Pant (VC & WK), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Karun Nair, Nitish Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohd. Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav
