India-England first Test in Leeds (Photo: PTI)
Leeds’s headingley cricket ground is one of the most historical grounds in England, where many memorable Test matches have been played between India and England. This ground is known for its swing and seam-friendly pitch, which helps fast bowlers. India’s performance on this ground is mixed, but some spectacular victories have also been recorded. Team India is ready to play on this ground once again. The face of England has been faced since 20 June. But, before that, let us know on the records of Test matches played between India and England in the headingley, the mood of the pitch and the data related to it.
The biggest battle in leads
India has played 7 Test matches against England in Leeds so far, in which India has won 2 while England have won 3 matches. At the same time, the remaining 2 matches are drawn. The 7 Test matches played between India and England in the headingley, with the toss 3 times in the favor of India, while the coin has jumped in England’s favor in 4 matches. Among the 3 matches in which India won the toss, they won one, 1 hara and 1 draw. At the same time, England have won 2 out of 4 Tests. 1 hara is and 1 draw played.
The first Indo-England Test was played in the year 1952 in Hadingley, which was won by the hosts by 7 wickets. The last Test was held in the year 2021. He was also won by England by an innings and 76 runs. India recorded their last win over this ground in 2002, when the Indian team defeated England by an innings and 46 runs under the captaincy of Sourav Ganguly.
Pitch and condition in headingley
Now the question is, how is the pitch of headingley? Handingley pitch is usually considered a paradise for fast bowlers. Especially in the morning session, due to cloudy and moisture, the bowlers get swing and seam movement. However, batting on the pitch can be better on the first and second day, especially if the batsmen take out the initial hours.
Headingley Head of Ground Richard Robinson has revealed that this time an attempt has been made to make the pitch more favorable for the batsmen. However, there is still a light green color on the pitch, which may provide initial help to the bowlers. The weather is expected to be hot and drought for the first Test starting on 20 June 2025. But on the third day, clouds can be cloudy, which can benefit the swing bowlers. There is a possibility of 25% rainfall in the last two days.
Talking about the overall record on the pitch of Leeds, the team who batted first in 78 matches played here has won 29 matches. At the same time, the first bowling team won on 31 occasions. The average of the first innings is 300-320 runs here.
Top players of both teams
England’s batting will depend on Root and Ben Stokes. In the absence of an experienced bowler like James Anderson, Mark will be dominated by Wood and young bowlers. Talking about Team India, the pair of Jaspreet Bumrah and Mohammad Siraj can wreak havoc on the seam-friendly pitch of Headingley. This is a chance to prove themselves for young batsmen like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sai Sudarshan. Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav can affect the spin in the last two days.
Team India has a chance?
Hadingley Cricket Ground has been a field of challenges and opportunities for India. In 1986 and 2021, India won a stunning victory over this ground, but the 2021 defeat showed that England could be dangerous on this ground. In the 2025 Test series, the Indian team has new energy and youthful enthusiasm. If the bowlers are able to bring England under pressure in the initial session and batsman the initial moisture of the pitch, then India can create history on this ground.
