Stuart Broad Names India as Favourites in Thrilling Test Showdown

In a gripping Test match at Headingley, former England bowler Stuart Broad has declared India as the favourites to triumph over England. With a challenging target of 371 runs, England faces a tough battle as India seeks to secure a victory on the final day. Broad emphasizes the importance of navigating the new ball phase, while KL Rahul expresses hope for a pitch that could challenge the English batsmen. As both teams prepare for an exciting finish, the stakes are high for Shubman Gill's captaincy debut. Read on for a detailed analysis of this thrilling encounter.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 24, 2025, 02:42 IST

India Poised for Victory in Test Series Opener

Leeds [UK], June 24: Former England fast bowler Stuart Broad has labeled India as the "favourites" to secure a win against his old team on the fifth day of an exciting Test match at Headingley.

The first Test between these two cricketing giants is finely balanced, with England chasing a daunting target of 371 runs, while India stands just 10 wickets away from marking Shubman Gill's captaincy debut with a victory.

As the new ball approaches, Broad emphasizes the importance of England navigating this critical phase to remain competitive. He believes India holds the upper hand, needing only 10 chances to clinch a 1-0 lead in the series.

"Surviving the new ball phase will be crucial for England tomorrow. I consider India the favourites on a day-five pitch. They only need to create 10 opportunities and must capitalize on their catches," Broad stated during an interview with Sky Sports.

After India concluded their innings at 364, England's opening batsmen, Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett, stepped in to face the last six overs. They managed to navigate this tricky period, ensuring England left the field unscathed.

The pair adopted a cautious strategy, capitalizing on poor deliveries. Crawley struck consecutive boundaries, bringing England to 21 without loss, still needing 350 runs for victory. Broad believes that while the Ben Stokes-led side may feel confident, Gill's effective management of his bowlers could shift the match's momentum.

"England will likely feel optimistic in the dressing room, but Gill has a significant role in utilizing his bowlers effectively. They need to attack the pitch aggressively," he added.

On the final day, the Headingley pitch will play a pivotal role in determining the outcome for the losing team. KL Rahul, who scored a resilient 137 off 247 balls, hopes the pitch deteriorates to challenge the English batsmen, making it a "blockbuster" day for the visitors.

"I believe it’s an ideal day-five wicket for us to bowl on. It’s a blockbuster scenario. Initially, I thought it was a good batting surface that might lead to a draw, but the wear and tear have changed that. We’re hoping the cracks will open up, making for an intriguing match. The pitch has been unpredictable for us," Rahul remarked on Sky Sports.