ENG vs IND 2025: ICC announces pitch ratings for Test series, only Leeds rated ‘very good’ (Source: Getty Images)
Headingley’s pitch was the only one to be rated as ‘Very Good’ by the International Cricket Council (ICC), which has released the ratings for the pitches and outfields during the recently-concluded five-match Test series between England and India. The series-opening match was played in Leeds, which the hosts won by five wickets. The rating for the pitch at The Oval, the venue for the thrilling fifth and final Test, has yet to be released by the global administrative body.
Pitch and Outfield Ratings for Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy 2025
| Match | Venue | Pitch Rating | Outfield Rating | Result |
| 1st Test | Headingley, Leeds | Very Good | Very Good | England won by five wickets |
| 2nd Test | Edgbaston, Birmingham | Satisfactory | Very Good | India won by 336 runs |
| 3rd Test | Lord’s, London | Satisfactory | Very Good | England won by 22 runs |
| 4th Test | Old Trafford, Manchester | Satisfactory | Very Good | Draw |
| 5th Test | Kennington Oval, London | TBA* | TBA* | India won by six runs |
*as of August 9, 2025
The surfaces used for the high-octane series fared better than those on which the 2023 Ashes was played. During that series, none of the five pitches received a ‘Very Good’ rating. In fact, two of those (Edgbaston and Lord’s) got a rating of ‘Average’. The 2024-25 edition of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy had a contrasting review as four of the five pitches had received a ‘Very Good’ rating.
How are pitches rated by the ICC?
Up until 2023, there were six classifications provided for the panel at the ICC to rate pitches: Very Good, Good, Average, Below Average, Poor and Unfit. However, the sane has been limited to only four tiers: Very Good, Satisfactory, Unsatisfactory and Unfit.
Speaking of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, the series ended on level terms after India’s six-run win at the Oval. Shubman Gill (754 runs in 10 innings) and Mohammed Siraj (23 wickets in nine innings) emerged as the leading run-getter and leading wicket-taker of the action-packed series, respectively.
Disclaimer: This latest news is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.
Ashes 2025-26: Australia vs England Highlights & Review – 2nd Test, Day 2
Hampshire onboards Russell Domingo as head coach ahead of new season
IPL’s clutch masters: Top 5 players who deliver under pressure
Abu Dhabi T10 is so challenging; huge achievement we won it: Tim David
