New Delhi, June 18: India’s upcoming five-match Test tour of England is not just a high-stakes series to kick off the 2025–27 ICC World Test Championship (WTC) cycle — it also sets the stage for one of the most gripping individual contests in modern Test cricket: Ravindra Jadeja versus Ben Stokes.
When India and England face off at Headingley, Leeds on June 20, all eyes will be on these two veteran all-rounders — the most experienced players in their respective line-ups. Both have shared a fierce on-field rivalry across formats and have often been at the heart of their teams’ fortunes. With contrasting styles but equal impact, their battle could well determine the course of the series.
Jadeja, known for his consistency, accuracy, and match-winning ability with both bat and ball, holds a commendable record against England. In 20 Tests against them, he has scored 1,031 runs at an average of 33.25, including two centuries and six half-centuries. His highest score against England, 112, showcases his ability to deliver under pressure. With the ball, the left-arm spinner has picked up 70 wickets at 32.57, including two five-wicket hauls and one 10-wicket match haul. His best bowling figures in an innings against England stand at 7 for 48.
However, his numbers in English conditions are more modest. In 10 Tests on English soil, Jadeja has scored 563 runs at an average of 31.27, with a century and three fifties. His best score of 104 came in the memorable Edgbaston Test in 2022. Bowling in seamer-friendly conditions, Jadeja has claimed 22 wickets at a higher average of 46.13, with best figures of 4 for 79. Though the surfaces don’t suit his style as well as Indian pitches, Jadeja’s control and adaptability make him a potent threat.
On the other side, England captain Ben Stokes, the face of the aggressive ‘Bazball’ revolution alongside coach Brendon McCullum, will look to reverse a somewhat underwhelming personal record against India. In 21 Tests, Stokes has scored 972 runs at an average of 24.92, with one century and five fifties. His best effort, 128, remains a rare highlight in an otherwise patchy record. His bowling returns are better — 40 wickets at 31.17, including one five-wicket haul (5 for 73).
At home, Stokes has especially struggled with the bat against India, averaging just 18.75 in seven Tests, with only one fifty to his name. However, he has excelled with the ball, picking up 26 wickets at an impressive average of 16.65, with best figures of 4 for 28.
Head-to-head, Jadeja has had the upper hand. He has dismissed Stokes six times in 19 matchups. Stokes averages just a little over 20 against Jadeja and has a strike rate of around 53, indicating the Indian all-rounder’s dominance in this duel.
As the two teams gear up for the first Test, fans can expect this fierce all-round rivalry to be a major subplot throughout the series. Who will come out on top — the gritty, all-condition Jadeja or the dynamic, fearless Stokes? The answers will begin to unfold at Leeds.
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