Last Updated on 10 months ago by Charbel Coorey

The Headingley pitch is a key topic of focus ahead of the first Test between England and India. The toss could prove to be important given recent trends at the ground, plus the green-looking nature of the surface.

Photos have emerged on social media of the Headingley pitch a day out from the first Test. There is a significant covering of grass, much of which may be trimmed down further before play gets underway on Friday.

Headingley pitch report for 1st Test of the 2025 series between England and India

The first two days are forecast to be very warm. The grass on the surface will help the track stay intact for longer. This should make batting quite pleasant on day three in particular.

The numbers support this. Since 2010, batting has generally become easier at Headingley as the match goes on. The runs per wicket in the first innings of these Tests is 25.39, then increasing to 29.57, 32.92 and 34.89 in the second, third and fourth innings respectively.

Chasing sides have won seven Tests in this period, compared to just four for teams batting first. So, expect the captain who wins the toss to bowl and try make use of the green surface on day one before the dry conditions play its part.

In fact, it has been a very dry period in Leeds, with a lack of rain since February. According to Richard Robinson, Yorkshire’s head of ground, the Headingley pitch should offer assistance on day one before flattening out. As per a ESPNcricinfo report, he expects the track to “do a little bit” on the first day and then ease out due to the temperatures around 30 degrees on days one and two.

“They (England) just want to have a good surface so it’s true, really, so we can hit through the line of the ball,” Robinson said. “That’s really what they’re looking for.”

India are aiming to win their first Test series in England since 2007. It won’t be easy with the retirements of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and R Ashwin in recent months. However, it is an opportunity for new players to stand up and be counted.

That being said, England will be seeking to make the perfect start to the new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. They have missed the final in each of the first three cycles, and with Ben Stokes stating that “it’s about winning” in the leadup to the Headingley Test, we can expect a focused England.