London | June 16, 2025 Former Australian opener Matthew Hayden has voiced strong support for India ahead of their highly anticipated five-match Test series against England, suggesting that early wins in Leeds and Manchester could decisively tilt the series in India’s favour.
The series marks the beginning of the new ICC World Test Championship cycle for both nations. The first Test is scheduled to begin in Leeds this Friday, with Manchester set to host the fourth Test from July 23.
Speaking on JioHotstar, Hayden noted England’s depleted bowling attack as a potential advantage for India.
“I don’t think England bowlers are that good,” Hayden remarked. “They’re struggling with injuries, and a few key retirements have weakened their lineup. Winning in the northern venues—where conditions can be challenging—will be key. If India can pull off a victory there, the series could very well go their way.”
Since India’s last red-ball tour of England, the home side has seen the retirement of veteran pace duo James Anderson and Stuart Broad. The current bowling unit has been further hit by injuries, with Mark Wood ruled out of the first three Tests and Jofra Archer also unavailable for the series opener. Promising pacer Gus Atkinson is still recovering from a hamstring strain.
India, on the other hand, begin a new chapter with Shubman Gill taking over as Test captain following the recent retirements of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and R. Ashwin. The relatively inexperienced squad will face a trial by fire on English soil, with limited red-ball match practice heading into the series.
Despite the challenges, several experts anticipate a closely fought contest. Former India wicketkeeper Deep Dasgupta predicted a narrow edge for England, citing home advantage and India’s transitional phase.
“It’s a young team with a young captain. That naturally gives England a slight upper hand. That said, it’ll be a tightly contested series—my prediction is 3–2 in favour of England,” said Dasgupta.
Former cricketer and commentator Sanjay Manjrekar echoed similar sentiments.
“England are playing in familiar conditions, and India is in transition. That might just tip the balance in England’s favour,” Manjrekar stated.
The inaugural Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy, newly named to honour legends from both sides, promises high drama as both teams look to assert early dominance in the new WTC cycle. With fresh faces, shifting dynamics, and the pressure of legacy, the stage is set for a riveting series.
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