The India vs England Test Series 2025 has brought back the classic rivalry to the forefront of world cricket. With two of the most competitive Test teams clashing in traditional venues like Lord’s, Edgbaston, and Headingley, the series has been nothing short of a gripping drama. From high-quality bowling spells to gritty batting performances, this series is redefining what long-format cricket means in the modern age.
Let’s dive into a day-by-day breakdown of the ongoing Test matches, analyzing where the matches have turned and who the game changers have been so far.
Day 1: The Battle Begins – Seam and Strategy
The opening day of the Test series at Lord’s was all about bowling discipline. England won the toss and opted to bowl first under cloudy conditions. Their decision paid off early as the pitch provided lateral movement, and the Indian openers found it tough to survive.
Key moment: James Anderson’s double-strike in the first session set the tone.
Highlight: India’s middle-order, led by Virat Kohli and KL Rahul, steadied the innings with a 100-run partnership.
By the end of the day, India had posted a respectable 275/6, thanks to some resilience from the lower-middle order.
Day 2: England’s Reply – Root Holds Fort
England began their innings with caution. India’s pace attack, led by Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, bowled tight lines. However, Joe Root once again proved why he’s England’s best red-ball batsman. His calm presence at the crease helped England recover from early setbacks.
Key moment: Bumrah’s in-swinging yorker to dismiss Stokes.
Highlight: Root’s century — classy and composed.
England ended Day 2 slightly ahead, with a narrow first-innings lead.
Day 3: Turning Points and Tension
The third day of a Test match is often called the “moving day”, and it lived up to its reputation. India started strong with the bat in the second innings. Shubman Gill and Ravindra Jadeja laid the foundation for a fightback. Gill’s 80 was a statement of intent, mixing flair with maturity.
However, England’s bowlers responded late in the day with reverse swing. Mark Wood picked up key wickets under fading light.
Turning Point: Jadeja’s dismissal right before stumps halted India’s momentum.
Day’s Balance: Evenly poised with both teams still in the game.
Day 4: Pressure Builds, Errors Surface
As the match progressed into Day 4, pressure started mounting. India added valuable runs in the morning session and set a target of 320 for England.
England’s chase began well, but cracks started showing once the ball started turning. Ravichandran Ashwin bowled a brilliant spell, removing top-order batsmen and putting India in the driver’s seat.
Highlight: Ashwin’s 4-wicket haul.
Key Event: England losing 3 wickets in one session due to poor shot selection.
By stumps, England were 200/7 and looked unlikely to chase down the total.
Day 5: The Final Push
On the final day, it was about holding nerves. England needed 120 more runs with just 3 wickets in hand. India, on the other hand, needed discipline and patience.
Bumrah came back for a fiery spell and wrapped up the tail within the first hour. India claimed victory by 98 runs and took the lead in the series.
Match Winner: Jasprit Bumrah with 8 wickets in the match.
Standout Performer: Joe Root for his elegant 120 in the first innings.
Series Trends & Observations
The 2025 IND vs ENG Test Series has showcased several tactical and performance-based trends:
1. Pace Domination Early On
New-ball bowlers from both teams have been effective in seaming conditions, especially before lunch.
2. Importance of Lower-Order Runs
Runs from players like Jadeja, Thakur, and Woakes have often shifted momentum.
3. Spinners on Day 3 & 4
The likes of Ashwin and Leach have found success once the pitch starts to deteriorate.
4. Captains Under the Microscope
Both Rohit Sharma and Ben Stokes have made bold decisions. Field placements and DRS calls have played crucial roles.
What’s Next in the Series?
As we head into the second and third Tests, the following questions remain:
Will India’s openers convert their starts?
Can England’s middle-order handle quality spin?
Who will win the battle of the all-rounders — Jadeja or Stokes?
One thing is for sure — this series is far from over, and each day brings its own drama.
Final Thoughts
The India vs England 2025 Test Series has already delivered high-quality cricket, and fans can expect even more excitement in the upcoming matches. Each session matters, and the balance between bat and ball has made this series a true Test of skill, temperament, and adaptability.
Stay tuned for more matchday reviews and player insights as the drama continues in this historic rivalry.