IND vs ENG 1st Test Weather: Rain Set to Disrupt Headingley After Bright Start

Jun, 20 2025

Sunny Beginnings as India Take On England at Headingley

The much-awaited IND vs ENG first Test in Leeds has kicked off with perfect conditions for cricket. Spectators packed Headingley on June 20, enjoying brilliant sunshine and temperatures climbing to 29°C. These conditions made life easier for batters, encouraging big scores right from the start. But the good weather looks set to be a short-lived blessing with a turbulent forecast on the horizon.

Shubman Gill, stepping in to lead India in this high-stakes five-Test series, will be eyeing a strong start while knowing that the weather could flip the script at any moment. For England, the sunny opening day handed their batters a free pass on a pitch with visible grass yet minimal early movement.

Rain and Cloud to Dominate the Test—Pace Bowlers could Thrive

The real story of the Headingley Test, though, could end up being the weather. From Day 2 onward, rain disruption threatens to dominate the game. Meteorologists are pinning a 66% chance of rain on June 21 and a 60% chance on June 22. Showers could sweep across Leeds, turning what started as a batter’s paradise into a battlefield for fast bowlers. Under heavy cloud cover, the live grass on the wicket won't just add pace—it could spark movement and trouble even for the best in the business. Swing specialists from both teams, like James Anderson and Mohammed Siraj, will be licking their lips.

As rain threatens, ground staff and fans alike are gearing up for interruptions—potentially seeing more play lost to weather than most would like. The pitch, known for its hard surface with a healthy tinge of green early on, may begin to behave unevenly if showers affect its condition and the sun disappears. Batters who flourished on Day 1 could face much stiffer challenges as conditions slow, the ball grips more, and seamers exploit the moisture in the air and pitch.

The rain threat doesn't vanish after Day 3. On June 23, Day 4, isolated showers are possible (25% chance), and while that’s less alarming, the risk builds again on Day 5 with a worrying 64% possibility of showers in the morning. Tensions are likely to run high if the 1st Test hangs in the balance heading into those final overs, with every drop of rain potentially tilting the match toward a dramatic or frustrating finish for both sides.

The change in temperature also adds another layer of complexity—dropping to around 19°C by Day 4, it’ll feel a world away from the oven-like opening. In England, unpredictability is the norm, but this sequence of sunshine, cloud, rain, and chilly winds may punish whichever side fails to adjust first. Stay tuned: in this Test, adaptability could prove as crucial as pure skill.