England head coach Brendon McCullum believes India have arrived well-prepared and stuffed with perception for the upcoming five-match Test sequence but his team can also be clear about where it desires to be within the eagerly-anticipated showdown starting June 20 in Leeds.
The sequence will kick off India’s new World Test Championship cycle.
“They’re an outstanding cricketing nation, who will come here with high hopes, and we are looking forward to seeing them,” McCullum informed ‘Sky Sports Cricket’.
England alternatively have simply accomplished a whitewash of the West Indies in a six-match white-ball sequence. Their focus now shifts to the red-ball format as they gear up to take India and in addition put together for the Ashes later this yr.
“It’s important the guys refresh. We know where we want to get to as a Test team.” England will be with out tearaway pacer Mark Wood, who has been dominated out of no less than the primary three Tests due to damage.
Fellow fast Jofra Archer will additionally miss the opening Test, whereas Gus Atkinson remains to be recovering from a hamstring pressure. Despite the setbacks, McCullum stays assured in England’s bowling choices.
“There are some quality bowlers that are unavailable, but we have a nice, varied bowling attack with Chris Woakes, Sam Cook, Brydon Carse, Jamie Overton, Josh Tongue for the high-pace element,” the previous New Zealand skipper mentioned.
“We have Shoaib Bashir, who is growing in Test cricket every day. We know we are going to be tested against India, and they will arrive prepared,” he added.
India start a brand new period after Test retirements of veterans Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and R Ashwin.
The team will be led by Shubman Gill and incorporates a youthful lineup together with Sai Sudharsan and Yashasvi Jaiswal. England all-rounder Jacob Bathel has been recalled and McCullum was all reward for the 21-year-old.
“Bethell has a good life in front of him. For a 21-year-old, he’s got a real poise, and that allows him to go out there and be present and show off his flair and talent,” McCullum mentioned.
“The world is his oyster. He’s already becoming a leader in the dressing room which is what you want,” he added.
McCullum additionally talked about Jamie Smith and Ben Duckett as the skills to look ahead to.
“Jamie Smith and Ben Duckett have reminded me of Duckett and Zak Crawley in the Test game. We know how good Duckett is, but the power that Smith possesses is amazing.
“These guys are fearless, and should you add the craft, you then hope you find yourself with a rounded participant.”
Published – June 12, 2025 11:54 am IST
