The opening day of the highly anticipated five-match Test series between India and England at Headingley, Leeds, on June 20, 2025, unfolded under perfect conditions for batting, with India posting a commanding 359 for 3. However, the weather forecast for Day 2 threatens to cast a shadow over the proceedings, with rain and thunderstorms predicted to disrupt play and potentially shift the balance in favor of England's seam bowlers.
Day 1 saw India’s batting lineup flourish on a flat, batter-friendly pitch under hot and dry skies. Opener Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul laid a solid foundation with a 91-run opening partnership before Rahul’s dismissal late in the first session. Jaiswal then combined with captain Shubman Gill to stitch a crucial 129-run stand. Jaiswal reached his maiden Test century before falling at 101, while Gill remained unbeaten on 127 at stumps. Vice-captain Rishabh Pant was not out on 65, heading towards his seventh Test hundred.
India’s dominance on the first day was underscored by the failure of England’s pace attack to maintain consistent lines and lengths, allowing the visitors to accumulate runs freely. The pitch, initially expected to aid seamers for the first two days, turned out to be an absolute belter, much to the delight of the Indian batsmen.
But the narrative for Day 2 is set to be very different. According to multiple weather reports, including the UK Met Office and AccuWeather, Headingley is expected to experience a drastic change in conditions. Up to 7.6 mm of rainfall is forecast during the morning and afternoon sessions, with overcast skies and thick cloud cover likely to persist throughout the day. The most significant threat comes in the final session, where there is an 88% chance of rain between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. local time. Thunderstorms are also predicted, prompting a yellow weather warning for West Yorkshire from 3 p.m. to 4 a.m.
The Met Office cautioned, "Scattered thunderstorms may cause some impacts Saturday afternoon, into the evening and night." Such weather could not only disrupt play but also assist seam bowlers with the new Dukes ball, potentially giving England a much-needed lifeline on a pitch that has so far favored the batsmen.
Despite the looming weather challenges, play on Day 2 began on schedule, though intermittent rain delays were reported. England commenced their first innings after a short rain interruption post-lunch, with openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett taking guard. The home side was eager to respond after India amassed a formidable 471 in their first innings, bolstered by centuries from Jaiswal, Gill, and Pant. England’s pacers Josh Tongue and Ben Stokes made inroads by taking four wickets each, bundling out India’s last seven wickets for 112 runs.
Throughout the day, the weather remained a key talking point. The temperature hovered around 27 degrees Celsius with cloud cover increasing as the day progressed. While the morning session was relatively clear with only an 8% chance of rain before 2 p.m., afternoon showers were expected to intensify. According to Weather.com, the yellow warning for thunderstorms was expected to cause interruptions primarily in the second session, with precipitation chances subsiding by around 8 p.m.
Ground staff were actively managing the outfield and pitch conditions, deploying covers and ropes to mitigate moisture accumulation. The umpires called for covers multiple times during the day as light rain and showers came and went. Jasprit Bumrah, India’s ace pacer, was seen warming up enthusiastically, ready to exploit the favorable seam conditions if given the opportunity.
Looking ahead to Day 3, the forecast remains mixed but slightly more optimistic. Temperatures are expected to range between 17 and 18 degrees Celsius with intervals of cloud and sunshine. Although there is an 84% chance of precipitation throughout the day, thunderstorm probability decreases to 17%, and cloud cover is expected to rise from 63% to 93%. Strong wind gusts could help clear showers quickly, potentially allowing for more uninterrupted play.
The impact of weather on the series so far highlights the unpredictable nature of cricket in England, where conditions can swing momentum dramatically. India’s strong position at the end of Day 1, with their top order firing, contrasts with the challenges they face in preserving that advantage under overcast skies and rain-threatened sessions.
Shubman Gill’s unbeaten 127 and Rishabh Pant’s resilient 65 underscore India’s batting prowess, but the looming weather may force strategic adjustments. England’s seamers, buoyed by the prospect of helpful conditions, will look to capitalize on any assistance from the pitch and atmosphere.
As the series progresses, the interplay between skill and weather will be a defining factor. Fans and analysts alike will watch closely to see if India can maintain control or if England’s bowlers can leverage the conditions to claw back into the contest.
For now, the action remains ongoing with weather playing a pivotal role in shaping the narrative at Headingley. Both teams must adapt swiftly to the changing conditions to tilt the balance in their favor in this enthralling Test encounter.
