India’s five-match Test series in England begins on June 20 at Headingley Cricket Ground, and all eyes are on how Shubman Gill’s youthful side handles the challenge.
On Monday, RevSportz released an on-ground video which gave fans their first look at the pitch being prepared for the series opener. And if that footage is anything to go by, India’s batters might want to gear up for a trial by grass.
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First look of Headingley pitch ahead of IND vs ENG 1st Test
Standing at the stands, journalist Subhayan Chakraborty pointed to a pitch that looked far from dry or dusty.
"It looks like we are standing in a field – all you can see is grass. They will trim some of it, but not too much. England’s strength is pace bowling, and the pitch preparation reflects that," he said.
Headingley, Leeds Pitch on Matchday Minus 4 👀 pic.twitter.com/XadkamCkXg
— RevSportz Global (@RevSportzGlobal) June 16, 2025
Another member of the RevSportz team, Amit Shah, added:
"This surface plays fast. It’s in the north of England, like our Himachal or Chandigarh - windy and cool. The ECB has planned this deliberately. Starting the series here is strategic," he said.
The report also confirmed there are two pitches being prepared, possibly as backup. The visible grass cover and live surface are clear indicators: don’t expect much spin early in this series.
If anything, India might have to consider playing four fast bowlers. The report also highlighted how the use of the Duke's ball could unsettle India's IPL-hardened batters.
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The fearsome duo of Stuart Broad and James Anderson will not be playing this time, but England will still have the firepower. The green pitch is not the only test ahead.
The squad itself looks drastically different. No Virat Kohli, no Rohit Sharma, no Mohammed Shami.
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Shubman Gill will begin his tenure as Test captain in what is arguably India’s toughest format. India’s record at Headingley is far from ideal, and the ECB seems to have taken a page out of Australia’s book by starting the series at one of their toughest venues.