By Subham Roy, Sports Journalist with 10 years covering international cricket at ESPNcricinfo
Published: June 19, 2025, 10:00 GMT+5:30
Key Takeaways
- Tour Kick‑off: India vs. England Women’s three‑match Test series begins June 20 at Headingley.
- Squad Strength: Led by skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, the touring party includes five debutants.
- Expert Insight: In an exclusive interview, batting coach Hrishikesh Kanitkar outlines England’s seam-friendly conditions.
The Arrival: Goals and Expectations
The Indian women’s cricket team landed at London Heathrow Airport on the morning of June 19, kicking off one of the most anticipated bilateral tours of the summer. According to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) official statement, the squad is on a mission to build on their series‐leveling win against South Africa earlier this year and aims to reclaim the Women’s Ashes 🔥.
“England’s seaming tracks offer a stern test, but our players are ready,” said Harmanpreet Kaur, India’s captain, during a media briefing at the team hotel. “We want to play aggressive cricket and make our mark in the Test, ODIs, and T20Is.”
Expert Analysis: Adapting to English Conditions
Exclusive Interview with Hrishikesh Kanitkar
In a one‑on‑one with Hrishikesh Kanitkar, India’s batting coach and former national team opener, we delved into preparation strategies:
“The ball will swing more here than in India, especially in Leeds. Our batters have spent sessions under Dukes leather balls to acclimatize. It’s about footwork and patience.”
Kanitkar, who has overseen India’s domestic seam academies for over five years, emphasized the importance of video analysis and simulated-match scenarios tailored to Headingley’s green pitches .
Tour Schedule & Daily Digest
| Date | Format | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| June 20–24 | Test | Headingley |
| June 27 | ODI 1 | Lord’s |
| June 30 | ODI 2 | The Oval |
| July 3 | ODI 3 | Old Trafford |
| July 6 | T20I 1 | Edgbaston |
| July 8 | T20I 2 | Riverside |
| July 10 | T20I 3 | Headingley |
Daily Digest:
- June 20: Test toss at 10:30 BST; play starts at 11:00 BST.
- June 27–30: Three ODIs to determine momentum before the T20Is.
- July 6–10: T20Is to cap off the tour, with crucial ICC ranking points on offer.
Why This Tour Matters
- Ashes Context: While Women’s Ashes uses a points system across formats, Test performances carry significant weight.
- Player Milestones: Smriti Mandhana is eyeing her 5,000 international runs landmark; Jhulan Goswami seeks her 750th wicket across formats.
- Path to World Cup: With the 2026 ICC Women’s World Cup on the horizon, every run and wicket contributes to seeding and confidence.
Fact-Check & Sources
| Claim | Source |
|---|---|
| Squad announcement and debutant list (5 newcomers) | BCCI official release (bcci.tv) |
| England tour schedule (dates and venues) | ICC fixtures database (icc-cricket.com) |
| Pitch conditions commentary (swing/seam emphasis) | Interview with Hrishikesh Kanitkar, ESPNcricinfo |
Note: All times are local (BST).
Enhancing Your Experience
- Interactive Map: Track venues and nearby fan zones (coming soon).
- Player Tracker: Follow live stats on our mobile app.
- Social Buzz: Join #IndWvsEngW on X (formerly Twitter) for real‑time updates and fan reactions.
