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Should Shubman Gill Bat Or Bowl If He Wins The Toss Of First Test Match At Leeds?

But what should be the ideal decision to make after Ben Stokes or Shubman Gill wins the toss?

The stage is set for one of the greatest Test series of this year. Young Shubman Gill is ready to lead the Indian side from the front for the first and the English team celebrates the return of Ben Stokes, their skipper for the Red ball format of the game. The first match of the five-match Test series between India and England is scheduled at Leeds, Headingley. The English pitches are traditionally the slowest in the world, but Leeds may be an exception, making victory at Leeds far more important. The toss would play a crucial role in determining the result of the first Test.

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Also Read: ‘He Can Play A…’ Saba Karim Backs KL Rahul To Replace Virat Kohli At No. 4 In England Test Series

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Changing Dynamics

It is the same pitch where Ben Stokes chased down 359 runs against Australia in the third Test match of the Ashes 2019, and in the same match, England were bundled for just 67, which shows the changing dynamics of the iconic ground. But what should be the ideal decision to make after Ben Stokes or Shubman Gill wins the toss? This can be determined under various circumstances, such as the weather.

Stats At Leeds

StatValue
Total Matches84
Matches Won Batting First29
Matches Won Bowling First36
Average 1st Innings Score298
Average 2nd Innings Score291
Average 3rd Innings Score239
Average 4th Innings Score165

What To Do?

The chief curator also reviewed that he feels that there will be 300 runs scored off the team that will first bat in the Test match, even though there is a history of taking the seam and bounce at the Headingley pitch. The pitch is changeable, and – especially where a cloud cover is available, as well – helps in seam bowling. Preferably, bowlers will be assisted at the beginning and will level off after some time. Hence, bowling first can be a good idea when the conditions are cloudy and a green and wet pitch. On the other hand, when the pitch is dry and skies are clear, then the better thing to do is to bat first, to utilize the most gradual time in the match.

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Also Read: Ben Stokes Talks About The Huge Impact Of Virat Kohli, Says ‘It’s Going To Be A Shame Not To Play Against Him…’

First published on: Jun 18, 2025 02:25 PM IST


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