Three of the four pitches used in the first four matches of the Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy have failed to secure the coveted ‘Very Good’ rating from the International Cricket Council (ICC). Only the Headingley surface in Leeds earned the top grade, while the others fell short despite producing gripping cricket.
The batting-friendly conditions in England became a talking point throughout this fiercely contested five-Test series between England and India. In a remarkable turnaround, India clawed back from 1–2 down to level the series, denying England a home series win. All five matches went into the final day—a rarity in modern Test cricket—with only the Manchester Test ending in a draw after India batted for nearly two days.
These surfaces fared better than those in the 2023 Ashes, where none of the five pitches earned a ‘Very Good’ tag, and two—Edgbaston and Lord’s—were rated merely ‘Average’. In contrast, the 2023 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in India saw four out of five pitches receive the top rating. Notably, the ICC has now simplified its rating system from six categories to four: Very Good, Satisfactory, Unsatisfactory, and Unfit.
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Headingley’s pitch, which saw England chase down 373 in the final innings, slowed over time, creating batting-friendly conditions ideal for England’s aggressive Bazball approach. In contrast, the second Test in Birmingham saw India dominate, amassing 587 and 427 to secure a 336-run win, marking their first-ever Test victory at the venue under Shubman Gill’s captaincy.
ICC Pitch Rating for INDIA VS England TEST SERIES REVEALS
Pitch and Outfield Ratings for the Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy
1st Test – Headingley, Leeds
Pitch: Very Good | Outfield: Very Good2nd Test – Edgbaston, Birmingham
Pitch: Satisfactory | Outfield: Very Good3rd Test –…
— Sporttify (@sporttify) August 8, 2025
The Lord’s surface not getting a ‘Very Good’ rating surprised many. The iconic venue produced a balanced battle between bat and ball, with India falling just 22 runs short of a 195-run chase in a tense finish.
The Oval’s pitch rating for the decisive fifth Test is still pending, but it, too, offered a fair contest. England appeared to be cruising towards their 374-run target at 301 for 3, courtesy of centuries from Joe Root and Harry Brook. Yet, the game turned dramatically as Prasidh Krishna and Mohammed Siraj ripped through the middle order.
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After rain delayed proceedings on Day 4, England resumed the final morning needing just 35 runs with four wickets in hand. Siraj’s devastating burst flipped the script, sealing a thrilling six-run victory—India’s narrowest win by runs in Test history.
From the gripping battles to the ongoing debate over pitch ratings, the Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy showcased Test cricket at its dramatic best, reaffirming why the England-India series remains one of the sport’s greatest rivalries.
