The five-match Test series against England will be starting from June 20 with the first Test scheduled to be held at Headingley. But one of the major gaps that are needed to be filled are the ones left by Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma after they announced their retirement from Test cricket. As the two legends walked away the responsibility to lead the team is on young Shubman Gill with Rishabh Pant being his deputy.
ENG Vs IND: Weather Report
The weather in Leeds is likely to have a major impact on the result of the first Test. Day 1 is predicted to be cloudy with little rain threat, and perfect conditions for swing bowling. Days 2 and 3 are accompanied by a high chance of rain, and showers are anticipated at regular intervals to interrupt play. Though the intensity will differ, regular interruptions may affect the rhythm of both batting and bowling sides. The last two days will also be expected to be cloudy, though the possibility of rain decreases slightly. Generally, gloomy weather and chilly weather are on the cards to rule the Test, making fast bowlers’ conditions highly conducive.
ENG Vs IND: Affect Of Weather On Pitch Conditions
Headingley is famous for helping seam bowlers, and based on today’s weather report, the trend is likely to persist. The pitch is bound to be holding onto moisture from rain and minimal sunshine, so there will be a lot on offer for the bowlers early on. A combination of a green top along with continuous cloud cover might see some massive lateral movement both in the air and off the ground. Unlike typical subcontinental pitches, this one is unlikely to assist spin much in the early days, and unless conditions dramatically change, even Day 4 and 5 may not bring the usual dry turner effect. Batting will be challenging, especially in the morning sessions when the ball is hardest and conditions are most bowler-friendly.
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ENG Vs IND: Toss Strategy
With cloud cover for most of the day, a green-tinged pitch, and showers on cards for the middle days of the Test, the Headingley toss is a high-stakes call that will fall on India’s new Test captain, Shubman Gill. With his maiden stint as skipper in foreign conditions, Gill will have to balance convention and possibility. With the seam-friendly conditions and weather suitable for swing, bowling first would be an aggressive but rational decision where India’s pace attack gets to take advantage of the conditions early and attempt to breach the opposition before the weather intervenes.
