After a thrilling World Test Championship Final at Lords concluded a few days ago, the UK summer of cricket officially kicks off this week with England taking on India in the 1st of five Test matches from Leeds on Friday night. Check out our full preview and betting tips for England vs India below.
We'll be providing betting tips for every Test match throughout the English summer, so be sure to check back in the lead up to each for our previews. All odds for the English summer of cricket are provided by Dabble.
England vs India: 1st Test Betting Tips
Leeds, Friday, 20th July, 8.00pm (AEDT)
Bazball Reloaded: Fresh Faces, Same Fearless Approach
England enter the series with optimism, sticking firmly to their ultra-aggressive “Bazball” ethos that has redefined their red-ball approach. While it has delivered thrilling results at home, the pressure now is on whether this boldness can translate into consistent series victories. The top six appears settled, with Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett forming a fearless opening partnership capable of blunting the new ball and scoring rapidly. Ollie Pope, promoted to No. 3 under McCullum’s regime, continues to grow into a central figure, while Joe Root, England’s premier batter, will again be key — especially at his Yorkshire home ground.
Harry Brook remains an explosive middle-order option, though he'll be keen to convert more starts into big scores this summer. Captain Ben Stokes, always central to England’s plans with bat, ball, and leadership, is managing a long-standing knee issue, but remains a match-winner on his day. Behind the stumps, Jamie Smith is expected to get the nod over Ben Foakes. His recent form in the County Championship has been outstanding, and England view him as a long-term investment with both gloves and bat.
The bowling attack will likely include Chris Woakes, whose record in England remains superb, alongside the pace and bounce of Brydon Carse and Josh Tongue, both of whom impressed during the West Indies series last year. Shoaib Bashir, the 20-year-old off-spinner, looks set to lead the spin department. While Headingley isn’t traditionally spin-friendly early on, Bashir’s height and bounce make him a genuine wicket-taking threat, particularly as the pitch wears.
Predicted England XI: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jamie Smith (wk), Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue, Shoaib Bashir
Harry Brook Top ENG Runscorer (1st Inn)
$4.60
India’s Next Generation: Gill’s Young Guns Face Big Test
This tour marks a major transition for India, with Shubman Gill taking over full-time Test captaincy following the retirements of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma earlier this year. Gill, now a well-established international batter, is tasked with leading a youthful side in what is arguably the toughest away assignment in Test cricket (outside of Australia). The top three should feature KL Rahul, returning from injury and likely to open, alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal, who has cemented himself as one of the most exciting players in world cricket. Gill will slot in at No. 3, where he has found the most success in the longest format.
The middle order is more fluid. With the veterans gone, India must decide between a host of inexperienced international players in Abhimanyu Easwaran, Karun Nair, Sai Sudharsan and Nitish Redsdy, who was outstanding last year in Australia. Rishabh Pant, is set to resume wicketkeeping dutiel. His attacking style could be a perfect foil for Gill’s composure, though questions remain over his red-ball sharpness and fierce compeition in the form of Dhruv Jurel will be waiting in the wings. Ravindra Jadeja, now a senior figure, provides all-round solidity and is arguably one of the first names on the team sheet.
India’s pace attack is experienced and potent. Jasprit Bumrah remains the spearhead and will be central to India’s plans, especially with the Dukes ball under grey skies. Mohammed Siraj provides aggression and control, while Arshdeep Singh, the left-armer, adds variety and swing. The final bowling spot may go to Washington Sundar, whose ability to contribute with the bat strengthens India’s lower order. Kuldeep Yadav is also in contention if spin looks likely to play a bigger role, but the Headingley pitch often favours pace-heavy attacks in June.
Predicted India XI: KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill (c), Sai Sudharsan, Rishabh Pant (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh
Jasprit Bumrah Top IND Bowler (1st Inn)
$2.40
England vs India 1st Test Tip: England to Draw First Blood at Headingley
The nuances of English pitches and the Dukes ball, with its pronounced swing and seam movement, often expose batsmen unused to such conditions, especially in the early sessions. India’s relatively young batting lineup, led by Shubman Gill and featuring newcomers like Sai Sudharsan, will need to demonstrate exceptional patience and technique against a hostile pace attack eager to capitalize on any uncertainty.
England, by contrast, have a settled core, familiarity with the conditions, and a home record that has seen them unbeaten in their last eight Test series at home. If their batting can post a big first-innings total, their attack has the firepower to exploit India’s unfamiliarity early in the series.
