England plots all-out attack: tailor-made Leeds pitch awaits India Test on June 20

England is gearing up for an aggressive approach in the first Test against India, scheduled for June 20 at Headingley Stadium, Leeds. The pitch has been specially prepared to support fast bowlers early on and then flatten out, favoring England's aggressive "Bazball" batting style.

"England are planning an all-out attack against India in the first Test at Headingley, Leeds, beginning from June 20, with a tailor-made pitch to support their aggressive batting approach," according to reports.

Leeds head groundsman Richard Robinson explained, "England wanted a ‘good surface’ for their opening Test match against India," adding that the pitch would initially aid fast bowlers before becoming a batting-friendly surface due to expected heat.

This pitch strategy aims to challenge a young and relatively inexperienced Indian batting lineup, which has struggled historically at Leeds, winning only two of seven Tests there and suffering a heavy innings defeat in the 2021-22 series.

"Meanwhile, India don’t have a great record in Leeds, having won just two out of seven Test matches. They lost their last Test at the venue during the 2021-22 series by an innings and 76 runs," the reports noted.

England’s recent form under head coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes has been impressive, with 23 wins in 36 matches, boosting confidence ahead of the series.

India enters the series with a new-look team, missing key players Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravichandran Ashwin. The young squad is led by captain Shubman Gill, whose elevation was praised by chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar for his progress over the past two years.

"Chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar said Gill’s elevation as the captain was taken after seeing his ‘progress in the last year or two,’" the sources said.

The five-match Test series will be a significant challenge for India, testing their resilience against an England side intent on exploiting home conditions with an aggressive game plan and a pitch tailored to their strengths.

England plans an aggressive strategy for the first Test against India on June 20 at Leeds, with a pitch tailored to support fast bowlers and aggressive batting. India faces challenges with a young lineup and a poor record at Headingley, while England aims to capitalize under new leadership.