The England vs India Test series 2025 is one of the most anticipated cricketing events of the year, marking the start of the 2025–27 ICC World Test Championship cycle. This five-match Test series, also known as the Pataudi Trophy, will see two cricketing powerhouses clash in a battle of skill, strategy, and endurance. India, the current holders of the trophy after a dominant 4-1 victory at home in early 2024, will face England on their home turf, where conditions are expected to favor swing and seam bowling. This series promises high-octane cricket, with both teams fielding a mix of experienced stalwarts and young talents vying to cement their places in the Test arena.
The series is particularly significant for India, as it marks a new era in their Test cricket journey following the retirements of legends Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravichandran Ashwin. With Shubman Gill taking over as captain and Rishabh Pant as his deputy, India will look to continue their dominance. England, led by Ben Stokes, will aim to leverage their home advantage and the aggressive “Bazball” approach to reclaim the Pataudi Trophy. This page on PaisaNews.com provides comprehensive details about the series, including the number of matches, player names, historical win records, match schedules, and the latest news surrounding the event.
Overview of the Series
The England vs India Test series 2025 consists of five Test matches, scheduled to take place from June 20 to August 12, 2025, across iconic venues in England. The series is part of the 2025–27 ICC World Test Championship, making every match crucial for both teams’ standings. The matches will be played at:
- Headingley, Leeds (June 20–24, 2025)
- Edgbaston, Birmingham (July 2–6, 2025)
- Lord’s, London (July 10–14, 2025)
- Old Trafford, Manchester (July 31–August 4, 2025)
- The Oval, London (August 8–12, 2025)
These venues are steeped in cricketing history, and each offers unique challenges due to pitch conditions, weather, and crowd atmosphere. The series follows two warm-up matches for India A against England Lions (May 30–June 2 and June 6–9, 2025) and an intra-squad match against the senior Indian team (June 13–16, 2025), which will help players acclimatize to English conditions.
Team Squads
England Squad for the First Test
England announced a 14-member squad for the first Test at Headingley, Leeds, on June 20, 2025. The squad, led by Ben Stokes, includes a blend of experienced players and emerging talents. Notably, fast-bowling all-rounder Jamie Overton has made a comeback, replacing the injured Gus Atkinson, while Jacob Bethell’s return strengthens the batting lineup. Below is the confirmed England squad for the first Test, as announced by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB):
| Player Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Ben Stokes (C) | All-rounder |
| Joe Root | Batsman |
| Zak Crawley | Batsman |
| Jamie Overton | All-rounder |
| Jacob Bethell | Batsman |
| Jonny Bairstow | Wicketkeeper-Batsman |
| Ben Duckett | Batsman |
| Ollie Pope | Batsman |
| Harry Brook | Batsman |
| Chris Woakes | All-rounder |
| James Anderson | Bowler |
| Mark Wood | Bowler |
| Jack Leach | Bowler |
| Shoaib Bashir | Bowler |
England’s squad is well-balanced, with Joe Root and Ben Stokes providing stability in the batting order, while James Anderson and Mark Wood lead a potent pace attack suited for English conditions. The inclusion of spinners Jack Leach and Shoaib Bashir adds variety to the bowling lineup.
India Squad for the Series
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced an 18-member squad for the five-match Test series, led by Shubman Gill, with Rishabh Pant as vice-captain. The squad reflects a transition phase for Indian Test cricket, with the absence of stalwarts Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravichandran Ashwin. New inclusions like Karun Nair, Sai Sudharsan, and Arshdeep Singh highlight the team’s focus on youth and domestic performers. Below is the confirmed India squad:
| Player Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Shubman Gill (C) | Batsman |
| Rishabh Pant (VC, WK) | Wicketkeeper-Batsman |
| Yashasvi Jaiswal | Batsman |
| Abhimanyu Easwaran | Batsman |
| KL Rahul | Batsman |
| Sai Sudharsan | Batsman |
| Karun Nair | Batsman |
| Dhruv Jurel (WK) | Wicketkeeper-Batsman |
| Ravindra Jadeja | All-rounder |
| Washington Sundar | All-rounder |
| Nitish Kumar Reddy | All-rounder |
| Shardul Thakur | All-rounder |
| Jasprit Bumrah | Bowler |
| Mohammed Siraj | Bowler |
| Prasidh Krishna | Bowler |
| Akash Deep | Bowler |
| Arshdeep Singh | Bowler |
| Kuldeep Yadav | Bowler |
India’s squad is a mix of youth and experience. Yashasvi Jaiswal and Abhimanyu Easwaran are likely to open the batting, while KL Rahul and Shubman Gill will anchor the middle order. The pace attack, led by Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, is formidable, with Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja providing spin options. The inclusion of two wicketkeepers, Rishabh Pant and Dhruv Jurel, offers flexibility.
Historical Win Records
The England vs India Test rivalry is one of the oldest and most competitive in cricket, with matches dating back to 1932. As of June 2025, the two teams have played 135 Test matches against each other. Here’s a breakdown of their historical record:
- Total Matches Played: 135
- England Wins: 50
- India Wins: 35
- Draws: 50
In England, the hosts have historically dominated, winning 34 out of 68 Tests, while India have secured only 7 victories, with 27 matches drawn. India’s last series win in England was in 2007, when they clinched a 1-0 victory in a three-match series under Rahul Dravid’s captaincy. The most recent series in England (2021) ended in a 2-2 draw, showcasing India’s growing competitiveness on English soil.
India’s 4-1 triumph in the 2024 home series against England, part of the 2023–25 World Test Championship cycle, gave them the Pataudi Trophy and boosted their confidence. However, England’s home advantage, coupled with their aggressive playing style under Ben Stokes, makes them formidable opponents. The historical data suggests a slight edge for England at home, but India’s recent form and young talent could challenge that dominance.
Match Schedule and Venues
The five-match Test series is spread across June, July, and August 2025, with each venue offering distinct challenges. Below is the detailed schedule:
| Test Match | Dates | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Test | June 20–24, 2025 | Headingley, Leeds |
| 2nd Test | July 2–6, 2025 | Edgbaston, Birmingham |
| 3rd Test | July 10–14, 2025 | Lord’s, London |
| 4th Test | July 31–August 4, 2025 | Old Trafford, Manchester |
| 5th Test | August 8–12, 2025 | The Oval, London |
Headingley, Leeds: Known for its swing-friendly conditions, Headingley often favors pace bowlers early in the match. The pitch can assist spinners later, making it a balanced venue.
Edgbaston, Birmingham: Edgbaston offers a lively pitch with bounce, ideal for fast bowlers. The atmosphere is electric, with a vocal crowd.
Lord’s, London: The “Home of Cricket” has a slope that challenges bowlers and batsmen alike. The pitch is generally good for batting but offers movement early on.
Old Trafford, Manchester: Known for variable bounce, Old Trafford can turn for spinners as the match progresses.
The Oval, London: The Oval typically offers a flat batting track, but overcast conditions can aid swing bowlers.
Latest News and Updates
India A vs England Lions Warm-Up Matches
Before the main series, India A played a one-off unofficial Test against England Lions in Canterbury from May 30 to June 2, 2025, which ended in a draw. India A, led by Abhimanyu Easwaran, saw strong performances from Yashasvi Jaiswal, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Dhruv Jurel, and Nitish Kumar Reddy, all of whom scored half-centuries in the second innings. Mukesh Kumar took three wickets, showing promise on a flat pitch. The second warm-up match is scheduled for June 6–9, 2025, in Northampton, followed by an intra-squad match against the senior Indian team from June 13–16, 2025. These matches are crucial for players like Jaiswal and Easwaran to stake their claim as openers for the Test series, especially with Rohit Sharma’s retirement leaving a vacancy at the top.
England’s Squad Announcement and Key Inclusions
England’s 14-member squad for the first Test, announced on June 5, 2025, features the return of Jamie Overton, who replaces the injured Gus Atkinson. Jacob Bethell’s inclusion adds depth to the batting, while Ben Stokes’ leadership and all-round prowess will be central to England’s strategy. The ECB has also roped in former New Zealand pacer Tim Southee as a consultant to prepare for the series, indicating their intent to counter India’s potent pace attack led by Jasprit Bumrah. England’s aggressive “Bazball” approach, championed by coach Brendon McCullum, will be tested against India’s disciplined bowling unit.
India’s New-Look Squad and Leadership Transition
The BCCI announced India’s Test squad on May 24, 2025, with Shubman Gill named captain and Rishabh Pant as vice-captain. The retirements of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravichandran Ashwin have ushered in a new era for Indian Test cricket. Gill, who has played 32 Tests and scored five centuries, is seen as a natural leader, with experience in county cricket for Kent. The squad includes new faces like Sai Sudharsan and Arshdeep Singh, both earning maiden Test call-ups for their domestic performances. Karun Nair, who scored a triple century against England in 2016, makes a comeback, adding experience to a relatively young batting lineup. Jasprit Bumrah’s return from a back injury is a major boost, as his leadership in the pace department will be crucial.
Broadcast Changes for the Series
A significant development for fans is the late broadcast change for the series. JioHotstar has secured the digital streaming rights for the five-match tour, while Sony will retain terrestrial television rights. This ensures wide accessibility for Indian fans, with JioHotstar dominating cricket broadcasting after securing rights for India’s home matches, ICC tournaments, and the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. Fans can watch live streams on JioHotstar’s platform or catch the action on Sony’s television channels.
Key Players to Watch
England:
- Ben Stokes: The captain’s all-round brilliance and aggressive leadership will be pivotal.
- Joe Root: England’s batting mainstay, Root’s ability to anchor innings will be crucial against India’s bowlers.
- James Anderson: The veteran pacer, potentially in his final series, will look to exploit home conditions.
- Jamie Overton: His comeback adds firepower to England’s pace attack.
India:
- Shubman Gill: The new captain will aim to lead from the front with the bat.
- Jasprit Bumrah: India’s pace spearhead, his ability to swing the ball will be key.
- Yashasvi Jaiswal: The young opener’s aggressive style could set the tone for India.
- Ravindra Jadeja: The most experienced player in the squad, Jadeja’s all-round skills will be vital.
Challenges and Expectations
For India, the series poses several challenges. The absence of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli leaves big shoes to fill, particularly at the No. 4 batting position, where Gill or Sai Sudharsan might slot in. The English conditions, with their swing and seam movement, will test India’s young batting lineup, especially players like Jaiswal and Sudharsan, who are relatively inexperienced in such conditions. The pace trio of Bumrah, Siraj, and Arshdeep will need to counter England’s aggressive batting approach, while Kuldeep Yadav’s wrist-spin could be a trump card on pitches that offer turn.
England, on the other hand, will rely on their home advantage and the experience of players like Root and Anderson. The “Bazball” strategy, which emphasizes attacking cricket, will face a stern test against India’s disciplined bowling attack. The inclusion of young players like Bethell and Overton signals England’s intent to blend youth with experience, but injuries, such as Gus Atkinson’s, could pose challenges.
Historical Context and Series Outlook
The England vs India Test series has always been a marquee event, with memorable moments like India’s 2007 series win and the thrilling 2-2 draw in 2021. India’s last tour to England was competitive, with Jasprit Bumrah and Joe Root delivering standout performances. This time, both teams are in transition, with new leaders and young players stepping up. India’s recent dominance in white-ball cricket, including their 2025 Champions Trophy win, adds confidence, but Test cricket in England is a different beast. England’s home record and aggressive approach make them slight favorites, but India’s depth and talent could lead to an upset.
The series is expected to be closely contested, with weather and pitch conditions playing a significant role. Fans can expect high-quality cricket, with individual battles like Bumrah vs Root and Stokes vs Jadeja likely to define the series. The Pataudi Trophy is up for grabs, and both teams will leave no stone unturned to claim it.
Where to Watch
Fans in India can watch the series live on Sony’s television channels or stream it on JioHotstar’s digital platform. The ECB website will also provide live streaming for select warm-up matches, such as India A vs England Lions. For real-time updates, live scores, and player stats, visit PaisaNews.com, your trusted source for cricket news and analysis.
Conclusion
The England vs India Test series 2025 promises to be a thrilling chapter in one of cricket’s greatest rivalries. With five Tests across iconic venues, new captains in Shubman Gill and Ben Stokes, and a mix of experienced and young players, the series is set to deliver unforgettable moments. India’s quest to retain the Pataudi Trophy and England’s ambition to reclaim it on home soil make this a must-watch event. Stay tuned to PaisaNews.com for live updates, match reports, and exclusive insights throughout the series.