The much-awaited India vs England Test series began on June 20, 2025, at Headingley, Leeds, with both teams fighting for the newly named Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. This five-match series marks a new chapter in the historic rivalry between the two cricketing nations, with the trophy honoring two legends—India’s Sachin Tendulkar and England’s James Anderson.
The Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy was unveiled on June 19, 2025, by Tendulkar and Anderson themselves at Lord’s Cricket Ground. It replaces the Pataudi Trophy, which was used for India-England series in England, and the Anthony De Mello Trophy, used in India. The new trophy features engraved signatures and action images of Tendulkar, the highest run-scorer in Test cricket with 15,921 runs, and Anderson, the fast bowler with 704 Test wickets, the most by any pacer. The change in name caused some debate, with former players like Sunil Gavaskar expressing disappointment over moving away from the Pataudi Trophy. To address this, a new Pataudi Medal will be awarded to the winning captain after each series, keeping the Pataudi family’s legacy alive.
On Day 1 of the first Test, England won the toss and chose to bowl first, hoping to make early breakthroughs. India, led by new captain Shubman Gill, started strongly. Young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal played a brilliant knock, scoring a century before being dismissed by England’s captain Ben Stokes for a well-made 100-plus runs. By the end of the day, India reached 259/3, with Gill still at the crease alongside Rishabh Pant. Sai Sudharsan, making his Test debut, was out for a duck, but India’s batting looked solid overall.
India’s team is without some big names like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravichandran Ashwin, putting the spotlight on younger players like Gill and Jaiswal. Gill, now India’s 37th Test captain, is batting at No. 4, a position once held by Tendulkar and Kohli. England, under Stokes, is banking on their aggressive “Bazball” style to challenge India’s strong batting lineup. The pitch at Headingley is expected to offer some help to bowlers early on, but it could flatten out, making it a good batting track later.
The series is part of the new ICC World Test Championship cycle, adding extra importance to each game. Fans are excited, with social media buzzing about the trophy and the new era for both teams. Some posts on X called the trophy a “perfect tribute” to Tendulkar and Anderson, while others were upset about the Pataudi Trophy name being retired.
Tendulkar, speaking at the trophy unveiling, called Test cricket a format that teaches “endurance, discipline, and adaptability.” He shared how his 2008 century in Chennai against England, scored after the Mumbai terror attacks, remains his most meaningful knock. Anderson, who took 149 wickets against India in Tests, said the rivalry between the two teams is “full of history and unforgettable moments.”
The series will run for the next 45 days, with matches at iconic venues like Lord’s and Old Trafford. Fans can watch live on streaming platforms or follow updates on the BCCI’s official app. With both teams looking to start the new WTC cycle on a high, this series promises intense battles and plenty of drama.
As the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy shines in the spotlight, it’s a reminder of the legacy of two cricketing giants and the fierce yet respectful rivalry between India and England. Day 2 at Headingley is set to bring more action as India looks to build a big score and England aims to fight back.