Subhayan Chakraborty in Leeds
The second game of the 2025-27 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle begins at Headingley in Leeds on Friday with England hosting an India side transitioning from the retirements of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. England, who placed fifth in the last WTC cycle, meet third-placed India for the inaugural Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, in a five-Test series promising high stakes and intense cricket. However, with the UK Health Security Agency issuing a heat-health alert for the Yorkshire and Humber region on Thursday, the weather is likely to play a significant role in the series opener.
With the temperature set to hover around 25-29 degrees on the opening day of the Headingley Test, it could end up being a perfect day to set the tempo with the bat. On the eve of the Test, the pitch curator allowed enough sunshine on the surface and despite the track boasting 8mm grass, it is rock-solid underneath. That would allow the run-scorers to have a good time out in the middle. With overcast skies and spells of rain likely on days 2, 3 and 4, the opening day could be the best one for batting if the weather forecast is accurate.
Check out the tweet by Leeds Emergency X page
The UK Health Security Agency today issued a heat-health alert for the Yorkshire and Humber region. The alert is currently in place from 19 June to 23 June, with significant impacts across the health and social care sector. https://t.co/cHrFUjv2WT @LeedsCC_News @PHRCLeeds pic.twitter.com/igERW2JNyf
— Leeds Emergency (@leedsemergency) June 19, 2025
England’s fortress-like record at Headingley, winning five of their last six Tests there since 2018, makes them favourites. Joe Root, playing at his home ground, anchors a batting line-up featuring Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley, and Ollie Pope, all coming off centuries against Zimbabwe. Chris Woakes, leading the bowling attack, boasts an impeccable record at Leeds, never going wicketless in eight Test innings.
India, led by Shubman Gill, blend youth and experience. KL Rahul, who scored 116 and 51 against England Lions recently, will open with Yashasvi Jaiswal, a standout from their last head-to-head with 712 runs. Karun Nair, recalled after a 303 not out against England in 2016, should slot in at No. 3, while Rishabh Pant adds the middle-order flair. Jasprit Bumrah, managing his workload, spearheads the attack alongside Mohammed Siraj.
With England’s confidence sky high and India’s new-look side eager to prove themselves, this promises to be a blockbuster start to the teams’ new WTC cycle. With exciting batting units in both camps, whoever wins the toss will have the option of setting the tempo for the opening encounter.