England Opts to Bowl First Against India in Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy Opening Test

The 2025 India tour of England marks a new era for Indian cricket, with Shubman Gill leading the Test side in a five-match series named the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, replacing the Pataudi Trophy. India, in transition after the retirements of stalwarts like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravichandran Ashwin, is looking to end a long wait for a series win in England, last achieved in 2007 under Rahul Dravid. The series opened at Headingley, Leeds, with England captain Ben Stokes winning the toss and opting to bowl first. India introduced debutants Sai Sudharsan and Arshdeep Singh, while Jasprit Bumrah was included in the squad, providing strength to the pace attack alongside Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna. England, missing veterans James Anderson and Stuart Broad, remain a formidable side under Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum, having not lost a home Test series since 2022. Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar predicted a 3-1 series win for India, recalling the 2007 victory as a cherished moment for the team.