Updated: June 19, 2025 | By Cricket Correspondent
The much‑anticipated five‑match Test series between England and India begins Friday, June 20, 2025, at Headingley Cricket Ground in Leeds. This fixture not only launches the 2025–27 ICC World Test Championship cycle but also marks a fresh chapter under new leadership on both sides.
5 Key Takeaways
- Series Opener at Headingley
– Dates: June 20–24, 2025
– Start Time: 11:00 AM local (10:00 GMT / 3:30 PM IST)
– Venue Capacity: 18,350 spectators espncricinfo.com - Historic Rivalry Renewed
England seeks to extend its “Bazball” momentum under coach Brendon McCullum, while India embarks on a campaign led by new Test captain Shubman Gill. - Key Players to Watch
– Joe Root vs. Jasprit Bumrah: A battle of England’s prolific run-scorer and India’s premier fast bowler highlighted by Rob Key as potentially series‑defining talksport.com.
– New Faces: Rishabh Pant takes over wicketkeeping duties; debutants Yashasvi Jaiswal and Akash Deep push for spots. - Where to Watch
– UK: Sky Sports Cricket
– India: Sony Sports Network & JioCinema
– Global: ICC.tv streaming (subscription may apply) - Daily Digest
Stay tuned for:- Post‑day scorecards and highlights
- Expert analysis and interviews
- Weather & pitch reports
- Injury updates
Expert Insight
“This contest, especially the duel between Joe Root and Jasprit Bumrah, promises riveting cricket,”
says Rob Key, Managing Director of Men’s Cricket, ECB. talksport.com
Venue Spotlight: Headingley Cricket Ground
- Established: 1890
- First Test Hosted: 1899
- Capacity: 18,350
- Unique Feature: Shares a stand with Headingley Rugby Stadium
Full 2025 Test Series Schedule
| Test | Dates | Venue | Local Start |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | June 20–24 | Headingley, Leeds | 11:00 AM |
| 2nd | July 2–6 | Edgbaston, Birmingham | 11:00 AM |
| 3rd | July 10–14 | Lord’s, London | 11:00 AM |
| 4th | July 23–27 | Old Trafford, Manchester | 11:00 AM |
| 5th | July 31–Aug 4 | The Oval, London | 11:00 AM |
Source: ESPNcricinfo match schedule espncricinfo.com
Fact‑Check
- Match Dates & Venues: Confirmed by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on its official website.
- Captaincy Changes: Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have retired from Test cricket; Shubman Gill is the newly appointed India captain.
- Broadcast Rights: Sky Sports holds UK rights; Sony Sports Network holds Indian rights; check local listings for global coverage.
