The ongoing India tour of England in 2025 has been a thrilling spectacle, with the IND vs ENG Test series delivering high-octane cricket, record-breaking performances, and moments that will be etched in the annals of the sport. With three Tests already played and two more to go, the series has showcased explosive batting, disciplined bowling, and tactical battles, particularly between the two sides’ wicketkeeper-batters and opening pairs. This article dives into the statistical trends, standout performances, and key moments that have defined the IND vs ENG series so far, as highlighted by recent analyses on Cricket.com.
Sixes Galore: A Record-Breaking Batting Display
One of the most striking features of the IND vs ENG series has been the sheer volume of sixes. In just three Tests, a staggering 58 sixes have been hit, making this series the second-most prolific for maximums in Test cricket history. With two Tests remaining, the current record of 74 sixes, set during The Ashes 2023, is under serious threat. This aggressive batting approach from both teams has kept fans on the edge of their seats, with boundaries and sixes flowing at an unprecedented rate.
The high run rate is a testament to the modern evolution of Test cricket, where both India and England have embraced an attacking mindset. Players like Rishabh Pant and Jamie Smith have been at the forefront of this aerial assault, consistently clearing the ropes with audacious strokeplay. For instance, during the third Test at Lord’s, England’s Jamie Smith sealed a chase with a towering six, underlining the fearless approach that has characterized this IND vs ENG series. This trend of aggressive batting has not only entertained but also shifted the dynamics of Test cricket, making it more akin to limited-overs formats in terms of scoring rates.
Keeper-Batters on a Riot
The IND vs ENG series has been dominated by the performances of wicketkeeper-batters Rishabh Pant (India) and Jamie Smith (England). Together, they have amassed 840 runs across six innings each, with Pant scoring 425 runs at an average of 70.83 (including two fifties and two centuries) and Smith scoring 415 runs at an astonishing average of 103.75 (with two fifties and one century). Their combined tally of seven 50+ scores is a record for keeper-batters in a Test series, with two matches still to play.
Pant’s aggressive style has been a highlight, with his ability to counterattack under pressure proving invaluable for India. His centuries in the IND vs ENG series have come at crucial junctures, rescuing India from precarious situations. For example, his fiery knock at Headingley helped India post a competitive total despite early setbacks. Meanwhile, Smith has been a revelation for England, blending classical technique with modern aggression. His ability to finish chases, as seen in the first Test at Headingley where he smashed 18 runs off Ravindra Jadeja in a single over, has made him a fan favorite. The IND vs ENG battles between these two keeper-batters have added a unique flavor to the series, with both players excelling behind the stumps and with the bat.
Contrasting Fortunes for Opening Pairs
The IND vs ENG series has also highlighted a stark contrast between the opening pairs of both teams. India’s KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal have been a formidable duo, averaging over 50 runs per innings. At least one of them has delivered in every Test, with Jaiswal shining in the first two games and Rahul scoring centuries at Edgbaston and Lord’s. Their consistency has provided India with solid starts, setting the tone for the middle order to capitalize. However, India’s fielding lapses, including six dropped catches in the first Test, have often undone their batting efforts.
In contrast, England’s openers, Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett, have struggled for consistency, averaging just 33.3. Their only notable performance came in Leeds, where Duckett’s dazzling 149 laid the foundation for England’s successful chase of 371. However, their failures at Edgbaston and Lord’s put England under pressure early in those games. The IND vs ENG narrative around the openers underscores India’s dominance in this department, though England’s middle order, led by Joe Root and Jamie Smith, has often bailed them out.
New Ball Impact: India’s Pace Dominance
India’s pace attack, led by Jasprit Bumrah (when available), Mohammed Siraj, and Akash Deep, has been a standout feature of the IND vs ENG series. Excluding England’s second innings in Leeds, India’s new-ball bowlers have taken nearly twice as many wickets as their English counterparts. Siraj and Akash Deep stepped up in Bumrah’s absence during the second Test in Birmingham, combining for 17 wickets to secure a 336-run victory for India. This performance highlighted India’s depth in pace bowling, even without their star pacer.
Interestingly, former England cricketer David Lloyd pointed out a curious statistic: India have a better win-loss record in Tests when Bumrah doesn’t play. Since his debut, India have won 20 and lost 23 of the 47 Tests he has played, compared to 19wins and only five losses in the 27 Tests he has missed. While Bumrah’s absence in the second Test proved beneficial, his presence in the first and third Tests coincided with India’s losses, raising questions about workload management for the fourth Test in Manchester.
England’s new-ball bowlers, including Chris Woakes and Brydon Carse, have struggled to make early inroads, often allowing India’s openers to settle in. This disparity in new-ball impact has been a key factor in India’s ability to control crucial phases of the IND vs ENG series, despite their overall series deficit of 2-1.
Tactical Battles and Controversies
The IND vs ENG series has not been without its share of drama. A notable incident occurred during the third Test at Lord’s, where Shubman Gill, India’s captain, engaged in a heated exchange with England opener Zak Crawley. Crawley’s apparent time-wasting tactics on Day 3 sparked tensions, with former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar suggesting that Gill’s aggression might have affected his batting in the second innings. This incident, coupled with an avoidable shoulder bump involving an Indian batter, led to fines and added spice to the series.
England also faced penalties for a slow over rate during the Lord’s Test, resulting in a deduction of two World Test Championship points. Despite the victory, this penalty caused England to drop a place in the WTC standings, highlighting the importance of maintaining discipline in Test cricket. India, meanwhile, escaped similar penalties, adding to the competitive undercurrent of the IND vs ENG rivalry.
Key Moments and Standout Performances
The IND vs ENG series has been defined by several unforgettable moments. In the first Test at Headingley, England chased down 371, thanks to Ben Duckett’s 149 and Joe Root’s unbeaten 53. India’s six dropped catches and lower-order collapses (7 for 41 and 6 for 31) proved costly, handing England a 1-0 lead. The second Test in Birmingham saw India bounce back with a 336-run victory, powered by Siraj and Akash Deep’s bowling heroics. However, the third Test at Lord’s was a heartbreak for India, as they failed to chase 193, allowing England to take a 2-1 lead.
Joe Root’s consistency has been a cornerstone for England, with his 211 Test catches (the most by a fielder) and 5,396 runs since 2021 underscoring his importance. For India, Shubman Gill’s first-innings century at Headingley was a highlight, though his team’s inability to capitalize on such performances has been a recurring issue. Jofra Archer’s return to form, including a wicket in his first over at Lord’s, and Jasprit Bumrah’s five-wicket haul on the Lord’s honours board were other standout moments that lit up the series.
Looking Ahead: The Manchester Test
With England’s 2-1 lead, the fourth Test in Manchester, starting July 23, is a must-win for India to keep the series alive. India’s preparations have been intense, with optional and full training sessions in Manchester, though concerns linger over Akash Deep’s fitness after discomfort during the Lord’s Test. The team management’s decision on whether to play Bumrah, who is managing his workload, will be crucial. England, meanwhile, will rely on their middle order and the form of Jamie Smith to maintain their momentum.
The IND vs ENG series has already delivered a spectacle of modern Test cricket, with aggressive batting, contrasting bowling performances, and intense rivalries. As the teams head to Manchester, fans can expect more sixes, more keeper-batter heroics, and more unforgettable moments in this fiercely contested series.
In Summary
The IND vs ENG Test series of 2025 has redefined Test cricket with its high-scoring encounters and aggressive play. From the record-breaking sixes to the brilliance of Rishabh Pant and Jamie Smith, the series has showcased the best of modern cricket. While India’s openers and pacers have given them an edge in key areas, England’s resilience in chases and middle-order strength have kept them ahead. With two Tests left, the battle for the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy is far from over, and cricket fans worldwide are eagerly awaiting the next chapter of this epic rivalry.
