With summer in full swing and fans hungry for action, England’s cricket team is gearing up for one of its most defining Test series in recent memory.
All eyes are on Headingley, where the first Test against India kicks off what could be a make-or-break stretch for Ben Stokes and his squad.
Ahead of the showdown, Test Match Breakfast is diving into some of the key storylines—from England’s bold new selection habits to Jofra Archer’s long-awaited return.
Reliving the Magic of Stokes’ Ashes Heroics
As preparations ramped up at Headingley on Thursday, there was a familiar buzz in the air.
In what felt like a dress rehearsal for a blockbuster, screens around the ground were replaying Ben Stokes’ iconic century from the 2019 Ashes.
Fans were treated to every dramatic twist—those towering sixes, the dropped catch, the frenzied appeal by Nathan Lyon, and that unforgettable winning boundary off Pat Cummins.
India, thankfully, were spared the mind games. The footage was cut just before they began their afternoon practice session.
Sri Lanka’s Spin Curveball in the WTC Opener
While England vs. India takes center stage in the UK, the official opening act of the new World Test Championship cycle actually began further east.
In Galle, Sri Lanka hosted Bangladesh—and introduced a surprise twist.
Ambidextrous spinner Tharindu Rathnayake became the talk of the match by switching bowling arms mid-innings.
Starting with off-spin, he later changed to slow left-arm deliveries—sometimes alternating between the two styles during the same spell.
While all three of his wickets came from off-spin, his unique versatility stole the spotlight.
Jofra Archer Targets Lord’s Return with Sussex Comeback
Jofra Archer fans, there’s a glimmer of hope. After years plagued by elbow, hand, and back injuries, Archer is finally set to test his red-ball readiness.
He’ll feature in Sussex’s County Championship clash with Durham on Sunday—a crucial step in proving he’s ready to rejoin the Test setup.
Despite being away from the format for more than four years, Archer has remained passionate about a return.
Ben Stokes shared that Archer has even sent him random texts—simply saying “Zim?”—hinting at his eagerness to rejoin the squad, even during England’s recent match against Zimbabwe.
If all goes well at Chester-le-Street, a spot in the third Test at Lord’s could be up for grabs.
England Keeps Breaking the Selection Rulebook
Under the Bazball regime, England’s approach to selection has grown more unorthodox—and fearless.
From picking Shoaib Bashir after just 10 first-class wickets to handing Jacob Bethell the No. 3 spot in New Zealand despite him never scoring a professional hundred, it’s clear that conventional metrics don’t always apply anymore.
The latest eyebrow-raiser? Fast bowler Eddie Jack, just 19 years old and yet to play a County Championship match, was invited to train with the Test squad in Leeds.
Though he didn’t stay on as initially planned, selectors believe giving him game time in the Vitality Blast could be more beneficial right now.
Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy Launches a New Era, But Some Traditions Remain
This series might come with a shiny new name—the Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy—but a familiar touch remains.
The iconic Pataudi Medal will still be awarded to the winning captain, preserving a link to the long-standing rivalry between England and India.
Reflecting on the honour, James Anderson said, “The rivalry between our two nations has always been special—full of history and unforgettable moments.”
Meanwhile, Sachin Tendulkar likened Test cricket to life itself: “You give your best, and when things go wrong, you regroup, unlearn, and come back stronger.”
Their words set the tone for a series that could not only shape careers but also spotlight the enduring spirit of Test cricket.