Headingley Pitch Report for India vs England 1st Test: Toss, Average Scores, and Records
The Headingley pitch for the 1st Test between India and England is expected to offer early help to pacers, but batting gets easier as the match progresses.
India and England will face off in the first Test match of the five-match series at Headingley, Leeds, starting on Friday, June 20. One of the most talked-about topics ahead of the match is the pitch condition, which could play a crucial role in how the game unfolds.
What is the Pitch Like at Headingley?
Photos from the ground show a green pitch with plenty of grass, which may be trimmed slightly before the match starts. The surface is expected to offer good bounce and movement early on, especially for fast bowlers.
- Day 1 and Day 2: The weather is expected to be warm and dry, which should help the pitch hold together well.
- Day 3: Historically the best day for batting at Headingley.
- Batting conditions improve as the match progresses.
Toss: Why It Matters
Since 2010, teams bowling first have won more often at Headingley.
- Chasing teams have won 7 Tests, while teams batting first have won only 4.
- Captains winning the toss are likely to bowl first to make use of the early help from the surface.
Average Innings Scores at Headingley in Tests:
- 1st innings: 298
- 2nd innings: 291
- 3rd innings: 239
- 4th innings: 165
Pitch Stats Since 2010:
- Runs per wicket in each innings:
- 1st innings: 25.39
- 2nd innings: 29.57
- 3rd innings: 32.92
- 4th innings: 34.89
This suggests batting gets easier as the game moves forward, despite the typical swing-friendly conditions early on.
What Type of Pitch Is Headingley Known For?
- Balanced surface: Offers help to both batters and pacers.
- Best for pace bowlers early on, especially under cloudy skies.
- Flat pitch later in the game, good for batting once the shine wears off.
The current pitch curator, Richard Robinson, said he expects a 300-run total from the team batting first, which indicates a good batting surface once the ball gets older.
Historical Records at Headingley:
- Total Tests hosted: 84 (since 1899)
- Stadium capacity: 18,350
- Home ground: Yorkshire County Cricket Club
India vs England Test at Headingley – Last Meeting:
- Date: August 2021
- Result: England won by an innings and 76 runs
- India’s 1st innings: 78 all out (their lowest at Headingley)
- England’s innings: 432 (Joe Root 121)
- India 2nd innings: 278 all out
Other Test Records at Headingley:
- Highest team total: 653/4 decl. – Australia vs England, 1993
- Lowest team total: 61 – West Indies vs England, 2000
- Highest individual score: 334 – Don Bradman, 1930 (309 in one day!)
- Best bowling in an innings: 8/43 – Bob Willis, 1981
- Most Test runs at Headingley: 963 – Don Bradman
- Most Test wickets at Headingley: 54 – Stuart Broad (England)
