The first Test between India and England has commenced at Headingley, Leeds, marking the beginning of the 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle. This series also introduces the Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy, a symbolic gesture to honor two of the game's greats. The match signifies a transitional phase for India, led by their new captain, Shubman Gill, in the absence of veterans Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.

England won the toss and elected to bowl first on what appears to be a seamer-friendly pitch. According to pitch curator Richard Robinson, while the pitch isn't a "green-top," it's expected to offer assistance to both batters and bowlers. He suggested a first innings score of 300 could be competitive. Initial reports indicate a healthy covering of grass, which usually favors seam and swing bowling, particularly in the early stages of the match. However, the dry weather in Leeds might cause the pitch to flatten out as the game progresses, potentially assisting spinners later on.

A significant moment for India was the Test debut of Sai Sudharsan, who received his cap from Cheteshwar Pujara, solidifying his place in the playing XI. Sudharsan is expected to bat at No. 3, a position previously held by Pujara. The 21-year-old left-hander has been rewarded for his excellent form, especially after an impressive IPL 2025 where he scored 759 runs for Gujarat Titans. His county stint with Surrey has also provided him with valuable experience in English conditions.

India's batting lineup sees Shubman Gill taking up the No. 4 spot, while Rishabh Pant will bat at No. 5. Karun Nair makes a comeback to the team and is likely to feature in the middle order as well. The Indian pace attack is spearheaded by Jasprit Bumrah, supported by Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna.

England's playing XI includes Chris Woakes, returning after a six-month absence, and Brydon Carse, who is set to play his first Test at home. The English side will be looking to continue their aggressive "Bazball" approach under the leadership of Ben Stokes. Their batting lineup includes Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, and Joe Root, with the experienced Woakes leading the bowling attack.

The weather forecast for the first day is promising, with bright and sunny conditions expected. However, there's a possibility of rain interruptions on the second day. Both teams will be keen to start the series on a positive note, with England looking to exploit their home advantage and India aiming to showcase their young talent under a new captain.