Ahead of the much-anticipated Test series between England and India, former England captain Joe Root has made a bold statement about India’s young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal. Root, speaking to Times of India, expressed admiration for Jaiswal’s rapid rise and suggested that the left-hander could enjoy a breakthrough series even in tough conditions like Australia. His comments reflect growing international recognition of Jaiswal’s talent, following the batter’s impressive performances since his Test debut.

Root acknowledged that predicting how long it takes for a player to prove themselves in Test cricket isn’t simple. “Everyone has a different rate of development,” he said. Using Jaiswal as an example, he said, “It might be that someone like Jaiswal comes in and has an amazing series, like he did against the West Indies, and goes to Australia and scores a hundred.” Jaiswal’s ability to adapt quickly and score runs in unfamiliar conditions has clearly left an impression on Root.

Root further compared the Indian youngster to players like Harry Brook, who took to international cricket almost instantly, and Michael Hussey, who bloomed later in his career. “Some players take a little bit longer, but that doesn’t mean they’re not going to be successful,” he said, hinting that Jaiswal might already be ahead of the curve.

Root Reflects on Kohli and the Challenges of Test Adaptation

Root also offered thoughts on Virat Kohli’s challenges and adaptability in Test cricket, especially when facing top-quality bowling overseas. “If you’re in a five-match Test series and there’s something in your game that doesn’t sit well with you, it can be difficult,” he said, referring to Kohli’s struggles outside the off-stump in Australia. “But Kohli still got 100 in that first Test (in Perth), which India won.”

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Emphasizing the synergy between tactical tweaks and match situations, Root said, With experience and more understanding of your own game, it should be easier.” As India gears up for a leading Series in a demanding red-ball format, Root's take on Jaiswal's potential and Kohli's experience will likely be paramount for India's very lineup.

The much-awaited India vs. England Test series is set to begin on Friday, June 20, with the opening clash taking place at Headingley, Leeds. In a big boost for fans, the entire five-match Test series will be telecast live and free on DD Sports, available on Doordarshan’s Free Dish platform. Cricket lovers across India can now enjoy the red-ball rivalry without paying a single rupee, as the matches will be accessible without any subscription.

The first Test will be played from June 20 to 24, with the toss scheduled for 3:00 PM IST and play starting at 3:30 PM IST. The final Test matches are to be played out in traditional English venues of Birmingham, London (Lord’s and Oval), and Manchester. With a new Test captain for India and England still following their aggressive 'Bazball' approach, we can expect fiery cricket and a fierce battle between bat and ball.

Adding to the excitement is the presence of young talent and seasoned players in both squads. With India's youthful team looking to make its mark and England's confident lineup looking to challenge at home, it should be a treat for cricket fans.

India vs England 2025 Test Schedule

• 1st Test: June 20–24 – Headingley, Leeds
• 2nd Test: July 2–6 – Birmingham
• 3rd Test: July 10–14 – Lord’s, London
• 4th Test: July 23–27 – Old Trafford, Manchester
• 5th Test: July 31–August 4 – Kennington Oval, London
  

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India Squad for England Test Series

Shubman Gill (C), Abhimanyu Easwaran, Sai Sudharsan, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Karun Nair, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Rishabh Pant (WK), KL Rahul (WK), Dhruv Jurel (WK), Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana.

England Squad for India Test Series.

Ben Stokes (C), Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Zak Crawley, Harry Brook, Jacob Bethell, Chris Woakes, Ollie Pope (WK), Jamie Smith (WK), Samuel James Cook, Brydon Carse, Shoaib Bashir, Josh Tongue, Jamie Overton.

The Indian cricket team arrived in Leeds on June 17, 2025, to face off in the first Test of a five-match series against England on June 20 at Headingley Stadium. Under the leadership of Shubman Gill, the team marks a new generation following the Test retirements of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. A video posted on social media of the team's arrival and a dynamic photoshoot in Beckenham, filled with laughter and bonding. Harshit Rana, the young pacer with great promise, was also included in the team, strengthening India's back pacer attack.

The squad concluded preparation with a practice match in Beckenham, adjusting to England's harsh conditions. Key players like Rishabh Pant, Jasprit Bumrah, and Ravindra Jadeja sharpened their skills, while Gill worked on his batting. This series, as part of the 2025-27 ICC World Test Championship, gives India a chance for a rare Test series win in England, which they haven’t done since under Rahul Dravid in 2007. With head coach Gautam Gambhir back, the squad’s morale is high.

India's team combines experience and youth with the inclusion of Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, and Nitish Kumar Reddy sharing the pitch with veterans. However, England, led by Ben Stokes and mentored by Brendon McCullum, is a formidable task, having remained unbeaten in home Test series since 2022. The Headingley track, which is sure to favor a first-innings total of about 300, promises a fierce contest.

A New Chapter for Indian Cricket

Under Gill’s leadership, India aims to overcome their historical struggles in England, where they’ve won only three Test series in the last century. The young squad, backed by Gambhir’s strategic insights, is determined to make a mark.

Watch the video here

TEAM INDIA ARRIVED IN LEEDS FOR THE FIRST TEST. [RevSportz]

- All the best 🇮🇳 India hasn't won a Test series in England in last 18 years. pic.twitter.com/mnqNcnvWYt

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) June 17, 2025

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The Leeds opener will be full of drama, with India's pace attack led by Bumrah and backup pacer Rana pitted against England's aggressive batsmen Joe Root and Ollie Pope. Supporters are looking for an exciting beginning to this centenary encounter.