England vs India First Test Prediction & Betting Tips

Date: June 20, 2025
Venue: Headingley Stadium, Leeds
Competition: Five-Test Series, 1st Test

Odds:
England to win- 1.55
India to win- 2.45

Bet on England vs India First Test

England vs India Match Preview

England host India at Headingley for the opening match of a highly anticipated five-Test series. It marks the first Test between these two sides since India’s 4-1 win in the reverse series. However, England have history on their side in Leeds, winning their last five at Headingley, including a memorable 2023 Ashes victory.

The last time India visited this venue in 2021, they were bowled out for 78 in the first innings and lost by an innings, with Joe Root scoring a century.

England come into the match as favourites, sitting second in the ICC Test rankings, two places ahead of India.

Bet on England vs India First Test

England vs India Squad News & Key Changes

India arrive in a transition phase. Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have both retired from Test cricket. It’s a major shift for a side that has leaned on Kohli’s leadership and presence for over a decade. Rohit’s absence is softened by the emergence of Yashasvi Jaiswal and the return of KL Rahul, both of whom have the ability to score runs in English conditions.

England, meanwhile, are reshuffling their bowling attack. Anderson and Broad have retired. Mark Wood and Jofra Archer are injured. Gus Atkinson is also sidelined. That leaves a lot of pressure on Chris Woakes and potentially Ben Stokes, who is short on match sharpness.

The new-look attack could include Jamie Overton, Brydon Carse, and Sam Cook — all relatively inexperienced at this level. Woakes to be top England bowler offers value.

Bet on England vs India First Test

England vs India Batting Spotlight

England’s top order features some familiar faces: Crawley, Duckett, Pope, Root, and Brook. Crawley has proven his worth against top-quality bowling attacks and is a strong candidate for England’s top batter.

Ollie Pope, while vice-captain, remains under scrutiny despite a ton against Zimbabwe. With Jacob Bethell waiting in the wings, another poor showing could put his place in jeopardy.

India’s top order, led by Shubman Gill, includes young talent but lacks depth in English conditions. KL Rahul’s experience and Jaiswal’s potential make them the most likely contributors.

Bet on England vs India First Test

England vs India Predicted Lineups

England XI:
Stokes (c), Crawley, Duckett, Pope, Root, Brook, Smith (wk), Woakes, Overton, Carse, Cook

India XI:
Gill (c), Jaiswal, Rahul, Easwaran, Nair, Pant (wk), Jadeja, Sundar, Bumrah, Siraj, Kuldeep

Bet on England vs India First Test

England vs India Prediction & Betting Tips

• Match Winner: England to win – superb record at Headingley and greater stability.
• Top England Batter: Zak Crawley – form and role in the lineup make him a standout.
• Top England Bowler: Chris Woakes – experienced, suited to home conditions.

Bet on England vs India First Test

India have class, but without Kohli or Rohit and with an unproven bowling unit in English conditions, they could struggle early. England’s settled core gives them the edge.