As India gear up to face England in the opening Test of a high-stakes five-match series at Headingley, Leeds, starting June 20, all eyes are on the pitch conditions and historical records at the iconic venue.
Chief curator Richard Robinson has indicated that the surface will not be a traditional green-top but is expected to offer a fair contest between bat and ball. Temperatures are forecasted to touch 27–28°C, the pitch is likely to retain moisture early on before flattening out, making a first-innings total of around 300 a strong benchmark.
Headingley promises a riveting start to the new ICC World Test Championship cycle with an average first-innings score of 298 from 84 Tests and a history of memorable finishes.
Let's take a look at all the stats that matter ahead of this huge clash.
All statistics via ESPNcricinfo
How many Test matches has Headingley hosted?
Headingley Cricket Ground in Leeds has hosted 84 Test matches since it first began hosting international cricket in 1899. As of the latest records, Headingley ranks second among English grounds in terms of the number of Test matches hosted.
What is the seating capacity of Headingley Stadium?
The current seating capacity of Headingley Cricket Ground is 18,350. The stadium is part of the larger Headingley Stadium complex in Leeds, which also includes the Headingley Rugby Stadium through a shared main stand. The stadium was established in 1890 as the home of Yorkshire County Cricket Club.
MORE: Latest weather report for IND vs. ENG 1st Test
Headingley: Pitch report for 1st Test match India vs. England
Headingley is historically known as one of the best batting pitches in the U.K. The pitch typically remains flat for most parts of the game, allowing batters to play their shots with confidence. However, there is also considerable help for pace bowlers, particularly in terms of bounce and swing, especially when conditions are overcast.
The toss is often crucial at Headingley, with teams frequently choosing to bat first to maximize advantage on this surface. According to the current pitch curator Richard Robinson, the pitch for the upcoming India-England Test in 2025 is expected to be a good batting wicket that offers a balance between bat and ball. Robinson has indicated that he expects a 300-run total from whoever bats first.
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Headingley: Average scores in Test cricket
The average scores at Headingley in Test cricket are as follows:
- Average 1st innings Score: 298
- Average 2nd innings Score: 291
- Average 3rd innings Score: 239
- Average 4th innings Score: 165
What happened in the previous Test match at Headingley?
The most recent Test match at Headingley was played between England and Australia in July 2023, which England won by 3 wickets. This was part of the 2023 Ashes series and featured a thrilling contest between the two traditional rivals
England vs. India at Headingley
The last test match between England vs. India was in August 2021, which England won by an innings and 76 runs. In this match, India were bowled out for just 78 in their first innings, which was their lowest Test score at Headingley. England then amassed 432, with Joe Root scoring a brilliant 121. When India batted again, they were dismissed for 278, giving England a comprehensive victory.
What is the highest team total in Tests at Headingley?
The highest team total in Tests at Headingley is 653/4 declared, scored by Australia against England in July 1993. Australia went on to win that match by an innings and 148 runs, with captain Allan Border scoring an unbeaten 200 and Steve Waugh contributing 157 not out.
What is the lowest team total in Tests at Headingley?
The lowest team total in Tests at Headingley is 61, scored by the West Indies against England in August 2000. West Indies were bowled out for this paltry score in their second innings, leading to a heavy defeat.
Who holds the highest individual score in a Test match at Headingley?
The highest individual score in a Test match at Headingley is 334 by Sir Don Bradman of Australia against England in 1930. This was the first triple century in Test cricket history. What makes this innings even more remarkable is that Bradman scored 309 of his 334 runs in a single day, which remains the only instance of a batsman scoring 300 runs in a day in Test cricket.
Who has recorded the best bowling figures in a Test innings at Headingley?
The best bowling figures in a Test innings at Headingley belong to England's Bob Willis, who took 8/43 against Australia in July 1981. This performance came in the famous "Botham's Test" where England followed on but went on to win the match by 18 runs.
Which batter has scored the most runs at Headingley in Tests?
Don Bradman holds the record for the most runs scored at Headingley in Test matches with 963 runs. Among English batsmen, Geoffrey Boycott is second on the all-time list with 897 runs, followed by John Edrich with 849 runs.
Which bowler has taken the most wickets at Headingley in Tests?
Stuart Broad holds the record for the most Test wickets at Headingley, Leeds. The England pacer has taken 54 wickets in 12 matches at the venue between 2008 and 2023.
India vs England 1st test match: Betting odds
According to Parimatch, England are favourites to take the lead in the series at Headingley. Odds are correct at time of publish but subject to change.
