England vs India Prediction: First Test Tips, Team News & Odds

England and India go head-to-head at Headingley on Friday for the first test of their summer series, which can be viewed live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Cricket at 11am.

Read on for our best betting tips and team news.

England vs India Preview

England have faced Zimbabwe in a one-off Test and the West Indies in both T20 and ODI series’ this summer, winning all seven of those games, but they face their first real challenge as they welcome India to their shores for a five-game Test series between the two nations.

India have not played a red-ball game since the start of January, when they lost 3-1 away to Australia. They were shocked with a 3-0 defeat at home to New Zealand before that so need to bounce back, particularly as their talisman, Virat Kohli, has retired.

With the Ashes on the horizon for the hosts, this is a real examination from a top-level team, with the series starting at Headingley on Friday.

England vs India Tips

England look a decent bet to get the better of India in this first Test between the two teams thanks, in no small part, to the tourists’ lack of match sharpness.

The visitors have not played a red-ball game since January and even then, they have only won one of their last nine Tests.

With Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma retiring, it may take some time for this new-look side to click and England could take advantage.

The conditions at Headingley should suit the hosts too, they have won their last five Tests at this ground, and their batting lineup has been in phenomenal form as of late.

While there are some question marks about the makeup of their bowling attack, they should have enough to chalk up a crucial home win at 8/13 with bet365.

Brydon Carse has done nothing but impress since making his England Test debut and has now taken 27 wickets for the team at an average of 19.85.

The Durham fast bowler missed the Zimbabwe Test with a toe injury, but he is now back to full fitness and ready to stake his claim for a permanent spot in this side.

Chris Woakes is favourite to be England’s top first innings bowler but the sunny conditions may not suit him and Carse looks the better pick at 11/4.