England vs India First Test Preview - England Backed to Start Strong at MostBet

By Alex Waite

19 Jun 2025

Alex Waite 19 Jun 2025

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England are tipped to edge a transitional India side in this test series opener.
A dry Headingley pitch and an in-form England batting line-up favour the hosts.
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England look strong ahead of this five-match Test series against an India side that has seen lots of change recently.

We are backing a Three Lions triumph in the first test at Headingley, with Joe Root runs also expected.

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England vs India Preview - Root and the Three Lions to Shine in First Test

Ben Stokes’ side have flourished under the ‘Bazball’ era, winning 8 of their last 12 Test series.

England recently brushed aside Zimbabwe in a one-game warm-up match, winning comfortably by an innings and 45 runs. Top-order batters Ben Duckett (140) and Zak Crawley (124) showed excellent batting form in that series.

Joe Root, however, continues to perform consistently with the bat, averaging 56.7 in Tests since 2022. The Three Lions talisman was also in top form in the three-match ODI series against the West Indies, scoring 267 across three innings.

India, meanwhile, will begin life under Shubman Gill after the retirements of key players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.

A lack of red-ball preparation, due to IPL commitments, and back-to-back series defeats to Australia and New Zealand raises questions about consistency.

India were out of form in those two series defeats, winning just one of the six individual test matches.

Verdict

England v India 1st Test

England’s match sharpness and home advantage may prove decisive in this opener. Back the hosts to make a winning start in Leeds with Root set to make an impact.