But apart from the talent and form of the players, there’s one silent factor that could decide the outcome of many sessions, days—or even whole matches: the weather.
In this blog, we’ll explain how English weather and conditions affect cricket, how it can change the way matches play out, and most importantly, how you can use this information to maximize your fantasy cricket winnings during the series.
???? Don’t forget to check the official full schedule and team squads here:
???? India vs England 2025 Test Series Full Schedule & Squads
????️ Why English Weather Matters So Much in Cricket
Cricket in England is famous for one thing apart from swing bowling—the unpredictable weather. One moment it's sunny, and the next it's cloudy with light rain. This isn't just annoying for spectators—it plays a huge role in how the pitch behaves and which players perform better.
☁️ Overcast Conditions = Swing-Friendly
When it's cloudy and cool, the ball swings a lot more. This helps fast bowlers, especially those who can move the ball both ways in the air.
Fantasy Tip: Pick swing bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah, James Anderson, or Mohammed Siraj when the forecast says it’ll be overcast or cloudy.
☀️ Sunny Weather = Good for Batting
On bright and dry days, the ball doesn’t swing as much, and batting becomes easier. The pitch dries out and flattens, which helps stroke-makers score runs freely.
Fantasy Tip: On sunny days, go heavy on batters like Joe Root, Shubman Gill, or Virat Kohli in your fantasy team.
????️ Rain = Time Loss + Moisture in Pitch
Light rain or even morning dew adds moisture to the pitch, making it helpful for bowlers in the first session after a break. But if too much time is lost to rain, it might lead to a draw.
Fantasy Tip:
- Avoid matches where heavy rain is predicted, as draws mean fewer fantasy points.
- Choose first-innings bowlers who can take early wickets when the ball is damp and swinging.
????️ Venue-Wise Weather Impact: What to Expect
Here’s how different venues behave under various weather conditions during the India Tour of England 2025:
1. Lord’s, London
- Usually cooler with light breeze.
- Cloudy mornings = swing.
- Dries up by Day 3–4.
Best Picks: Bumrah, Anderson, Root, Kohli
2. Old Trafford, Manchester
- Can be rainy and overcast.
- Early advantage for pacers.
- Good for spin on Day 4–5 if dry.
Best Picks: Ashwin (later), Jadeja, Wood, Gill
3. Headingley, Leeds
- Known for strong swing in cloudy weather.
- One of the toughest places for openers.
Best Picks: Pick 3 fast bowlers. Avoid top-order batters unless in form.
4. The Oval, London
- Flatter pitch, especially in sunny spells.
- High scoring if weather stays dry.
Best Picks: Jaiswal, Pant, Bairstow, Jadeja
5. Edgbaston, Birmingham
- Windy, but also known for batting comebacks.
- Balanced pitch, depends a lot on conditions.
Best Picks: Mix of one spinner, one all-rounder, and two pacers.
???? How to Use Weather Info to Win Fantasy Matches
Now let’s talk about how to actually use this weather knowledge to your advantage in fantasy cricket during the India Tour of England 2025.
✅ 1. Always Check the Weather Forecast Before Finalizing Your Team
There are many free weather apps or even simple Google searches that tell you match-day weather. Don’t skip this step!
✅ 2. Adapt Your Team to the Conditions
- Cloudy = more bowlers
- Sunny = more batters
- Rainy = play safe, avoid risky picks
Even just swapping 2–3 players based on weather can make a huge difference in fantasy points.
✅ 3. Choose the Right Captain and Vice-Captain
On swing-friendly days, make your captain a bowler like Bumrah or Anderson.
On sunny, flat-pitch days, pick a reliable batter like Joe Root or Shubman Gill.
✅ 4. Don’t Overload from One Team
With weather playing a big role, a team expected to dominate could suddenly struggle due to a weather change. Always have a balance of players from both teams.
✅ 5. Keep an Eye on Playing XI and Toss
If rain delays the toss or play, wait until teams are confirmed. A last-minute change can cost you big in fantasy leagues if you're not alert.
???? Final Fantasy Picks Based on Weather Strengths
Here’s a quick list of players you can prioritize based on English weather:
In Overcast Conditions:
- Jasprit Bumrah
- James Anderson
- Mohammed Siraj
- Ben Stokes (swing + bat)
In Sunny Weather:
- Joe Root
- Shubman Gill
- Virat Kohli
- Rishabh Pant
In Mixed Conditions (Cloudy turning sunny):
- Ravindra Jadeja (bat + ball)
- Ollie Robinson
- Rohit Sharma (stabilizer role)
- Mark Wood (speed and bounce)
???? Final Thoughts
The India Tour of England 2025 is going to be a fantastic battle of skill, patience, and weather management. England’s weather will continue to surprise, but if you stay alert and use this information smartly, you can turn every match into a fantasy cricket win.
Always remember—fantasy cricket is not just about choosing big names. It’s about understanding conditions, adapting your team, and being smarter than the rest.
For the full schedule, player list, and updates on the tour, make sure to visit:
???? India vs England 2025 Test Series Full Schedule & Squads