India still dangerous without veteran trio says Stokes

England expect a tough challenge from India when their five-test series begins at Headingley on Friday, captain Ben Stokes said, even as the tourists enter a transitional phase following the retirements of stalwarts Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Ravichandran Ashwin.

The Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy will now be contested in all future test series between England and India. Previously, the series in England was played for the Pataudi Trophy, while the series in India was for the Anthony De Mello Trophy.

The contest marks the start of the 2025–27 World Test Championship cycle and Indias first red-ball assignment under new captain Shubman Gill. England, who ended fifth, are also aiming for a reset after an inconsistent campaign.

India are looking to rebuild under new leadership after finishing third in the previous WTC cycle, having reached the final in each of the two editions before that.

The pool of talent that Indian cricket has is just ginormous, Stokes told reporters on Thursday. (Rohit, Kohli and Ashwin are) three massive names, three people who have done wonderful things for their country, but its not going to be any easier for us because those three big names arent here.

England have won 23 and lost 12 tests under Stokes since he succeeded Joe Root as captain, and now begin a stretch with back-to-back five-test series against India and Australia.

England beat Zimbabwe by an innings and 45 runs on day three of the one-off test last month but their earlier defeats have been heavy, including a 423-run loss to New Zealand in December despite a 2-1 win in series.

They were defeated by 434 runs and an innings and 64 runs during their last five match series in India 18 months ago (4-1 loss).

We still want to be known as a team who play