IND vs ENG: Three key battles that could decide the five-match Test series

England and India are set to clash in a five-match Test series starting Friday at Headingley, with Ben Stokes leading England against India's new captain Shubman Gill, as India seeks their first Test series victory in England in 18 years. The series marks the beginning of a new World Test Championship cycle and sees India entering without veterans Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.Bumrah v England's top orderJasprit Bumrah enters the series as one of cricket's premier bowlers, having claimed 205 Test wickets at an average under 20. The 31-year-old paceman was named ICC men's cricketer of the year for 2024 after taking 71 Test wickets at an average of 14.92.

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Wisden editor Lawrence Booth praised Bumrah's distinctive abilities, stating he was "uniquely challenging" when naming him the leading men's cricketer in the 2025 edition.Bumrah's participation across all five Tests remains uncertain following a back injury sustained in Australia in January.

The matches are scheduled within a tight seven-week window. The series outcome may hinge on England's ability to wear down Bumrah, forcing him to bowl extended spells. This strategy could prove decisive in the overall contest

Skippers: Stokes v GillThe series presents a significant challenge for new Indian captain Shubman Gill, who at 25 years old carries a Test average of 35 from 32 matches. His record in England shows particular room for improvement, with an average below 15 in three matches.

Gill faces the task of leading a transformed Indian team without Kohli and Rohit as he aims for India's fourth series win in England, following their victories in 1971, 1986, and 2007.Quiz: Who's that IPL player?Ben Stokes, 34, continues to lead England since taking over from Joe Root in 2022, though questions surround his recent form. He hasn't scored a Test century in two years, with his last being a 155 against Australia at Lord's.Despite ongoing injury concerns, Stokes maintains his effectiveness as a medium-pace bowler, as demonstrated in England's recent Test victory against Zimbabwe.Keepers: Smith v PantThe wicketkeeping battle features India's Rishabh Pant, who averages over 42 in 43 Tests with six centuries.At his sharpest, Pant is capable of spectacular dismissals in the field, although there are occasions when he can appear to lose concentration.

England's Jamie Smith, 24, has impressed in his 10-Test career with an average approaching 43. He earned his position by replacing Ben Foakes, who was known for his superior wicketkeeping skills.Smith's catching abilities will be crucial for England's inexperienced bowling lineup during the series.India's previous Test series victories in England came in 1971, 1986, and 2007, establishing an 18-year gap since their last triumph. The upcoming series provides an opportunity to end this drought while beginning their new era under Gill's leadership.