England vs India 1st Test: 3 Key Players to Watch in England vs India 1st Test

The five-match series of the 2025 Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy is all set to commence on June 20. Plenty of buzz has already been generated for this series. After all, it marks the commencement of the fresh 2025-27 cycle of the World Test Championship for both sides.

England enter this series as slight favourites as they have a home advantage. As for experience, their squad comprises more of the same as compared to their opposition, who have a whole lot of newbies in their setup.

India, led by Shubman Gill, will start this series without two of their most experienced players, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. It’ll be interesting to see how the team handles the challenge. For many of these Indian players, it’s their first tour of England, so the spotlight will be on the youngsters to step up and make a mark.

3 Key Players to Watch in England vs India 1st Test

1. Joe Root

Joe Root is surely someone to keep an eye on. If he plays well, it can really lift the team’s spirit. For England to build confidence and get going in the series, they’ll need their top run-scorer to be in good form.

Joe Root has only played one Test match this year, and that too was against Zimbabwe. But apart from that, he’s been batting really well. England will be hoping he continues that good form in the upcoming matches, just like he did in the recent ODI series against the West Indies.

Joe Root– Stats vs India

2. Ben Stokes

Another name that’s sure to grab attention for England is Ben Stokes. He’s not just any player—Stokes has been a game-changer, especially in Test cricket. As captain, he’s brought a bold and fearless mindset to the team, helping reshape how England plays the longest format.

Even though he doesn’t bowl as much now, Stokes still delivers with the bat. In 199 Test innings, he has scored 6728 runs at an average of 35. Against India alone, he has scored one century and five fifties, with a best of 128, his fourth-highest score in Tests. And let’s not forget his bowling. He’s picked up 213 wickets in Tests, and 40 of those have come against India. His second-best bowling figures 6 for 113, also came against them. Whether with bat or ball, Stokes remains a vital figure in England’s setup.

Ben Stokes – Stats vs India

1. Jasprit Bumrah

Like several of India's overseas Test series, Jasprit Bumrah forms the core of the Indian pace-bowling unit. The conditions and nature of pitch in Leeds has historically provided assistance to fast bowlers. Bumrah's wicket-taking abilities will be pivotal for the Indian outfit to make an early impression. He is one of those who can easily turn the tide when it comes to bowling impactful spells, and India would be hoping for just that.

Jasprit Bumrah– Stats vs India

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