A Thrilling 2025 Away Series
Team India kicked off their 2025–27 ICC World Test Championship campaign with a compelling five-match Test series against England in June–August 2025, officially known as the Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy. The Test fixtures took place from June 20 at Headingley, through second Test at Edgbaston from July 2, up to the fifth Test concluding at The Oval on August 4.
Following the England Tests, India will next participate in the Asia Cup in September 2025, making this Test series the highlight of their mid-year cricket calendar.
Series Timeline and Results
1st Test (Leeds, June 20–24): England claimed victory by five wickets.
2nd Test (Birmingham, July 2–6): India bounced back emphatically, winning by 336 runs.
3rd & 4th Tests (Manchester & Nottingham): Mixed results left the series finely poised.
5th Test (The Oval, August 4): In a dramatic climax, India edged out England by just six runs, leveling the series 2–2.
India and England Squads: Who Stepped Up?
India: Transition with Experience
Shubman Gill, newly appointed Test captain following the retirements of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, quickly showcased his leadership credentials. Gill led from the front with four centuries and an impressive series average of 75.40, making him one of India’s standout performers.
India’s top order featured a blend of youth and experience, including Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Karun Nair, and wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel. Jaiswal continued his prolific form, carrying forward the momentum from his double centuries against England in the previous home series.
On the bowling front, Mohammed Siraj was the star, especially in the decisive final Test where his 5-wicket haul sealed a famous victory. With Jasprit Bumrah sidelined due to injury, Siraj stepped up to lead the pace attack. Kuldeep Yadav and Washington Sundar provided valuable support, showcasing India’s spin depth and versatility.
England: Bazball and the Stokes Shakeup
England came into the series with high expectations under Ben Stokes’s leadership and the aggressive Bazball approach. However, injuries significantly impacted their campaign. Stokes delivered a match-winning performance in the fourth Test with both bat and ball but was ruled out of the fifth Test due to a shoulder injury.
With Stokes unavailable, Ollie Pope took over as captain, and Jacob Bethell was drafted into the squad. England’s bowling unit underwent further changes, bringing in Gus Atkinson, Jamie Overton, and Josh Tongue. Veteran spinner Liam Dawson was also recalled after a lengthy absence to compensate for Shoaib Bashir’s injury.
Despite these challenges, England displayed resilience. Chris Woakes, playing through injury, became a symbol of the team’s fighting spirit, notably batting with a dislocated shoulder in the final Test.
Key Battles to Watch
Shubman Gill vs England’s Bowling Attack
Gill’s sublime form provided India with a solid foundation throughout the series. His ability to build innings patiently and accelerate when needed proved to be a significant challenge for England’s bowlers. The battle between Gill and England’s seamers became a defining narrative of the series.
Yashasvi Jaiswal’s Consistency
Jaiswal’s aggressive yet composed batting at the top order was a major asset for India. His knack for converting starts into big scores put England’s bowlers under constant pressure and added a new dimension to India’s batting lineup.
Siraj’s Rise as Lead Pacer
With Bumrah unavailable, Siraj emerged as India’s primary strike bowler. His lethal spells, particularly in overcast English conditions, disrupted England’s top order multiple times. Siraj’s match-winning five-wicket haul in the fifth Test showcased his evolution into a world-class bowler.
Bazball vs India’s Grit
England’s fearless Bazball philosophy led to moments of brilliance but also exposed vulnerabilities under pressure. India’s disciplined approach, combined with calculated aggression, tested England’s strategy, especially in tight situations like the final Test where India held their nerve to secure a thrilling win.
What the Series Means
India’s ability to come back and draw the series away from home is a testament to the team’s depth and resilience. Under Shubman Gill’s leadership, the team showcased a blend of youthful exuberance and tactical maturity. This series marked the dawn of a new era for Indian cricket, proving they can thrive even in challenging overseas conditions.
For England, the series highlighted the importance of balancing aggression with adaptability. The absence of Stokes in the final Test was a significant blow, but the team’s fighting spirit and the emergence of new talents offer optimism for the future.
What’s Next for Both Teams
India will now gear up for the Asia Cup in September 2025, followed by a home series against South Africa later in the year. The focus will be on building a core group of players for the ICC events ahead and solidifying their position in the World Test Championship standings.
England, on the other hand, will focus on injury management and squad rebuilding. With the Ashes series looming next year, England’s selectors will need to address the team’s depth, especially in the bowling department, to ensure a well-rounded squad capable of competing at the highest level.
📌 Summary at a Glance
| Theme | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Result | India and England drew the series 2–2. |
| India’s Strengths | Gill’s leadership and batting, Siraj’s pace bowling, emerging talents like Jaiswal and Sundar. |
| England’s Challenges | Key injuries (Stokes, Woakes), squad reshuffles, Bazball under pressure. |
| Key Narratives | Youth stepping up for India, Bazball’s thrilling yet risky approach, depth tested for both sides. |
| Next Fixtures | India: Asia Cup 2025, England: Squad rebuild ahead of future ICC events. |
Final Thoughts
The India vs England Test series of 2025 was a showcase of cricket at its most intense and dramatic. With new leaders emerging, strategies evolving, and players pushing their limits, the series set the tone for what promises to be an exciting future for both teams. It was not just about results but about grit, adaptability, and the timeless allure of Test cricket.
