Before the five-match series against India, England head coach Brendon McCullum said he’s looking forward to the bowling attack, which he thinks is varied. He said they’re looking forward to playing a big cricketing nation like India.
India is starting a new chapter without seniors Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli for Tests and they’re beginning their ICC World Test Championship cycle with this series against England starting June 20. McCullum spoke to Sky Sports Cricket and said the team needs to stay fresh. He said they’re clear on what they want from the Test team.
Despite missing some key bowlers, he’s confident in the attack they have with Chris Woakes, Sam Cook, Brydon Carse, Jamie Overton and Josh Tongue. He also praised young spinner Shoaib Bashir, saying he’s improving a lot in Test cricket. Bashir has taken 58 wickets in 16 Tests since his debut last year with impressive stats including best figures of 6/81.
McCullum said India will be tough, they come prepared and with high expectations. The series will run from June to August and will be played at Headingley, Edgbaston, Lord’s, Old Trafford and The Oval.
In a surprise move, Jamie Overton has been recalled to the England squad for the first Test against India due to Gus Atkinson being ruled out with a hamstring injury. Jacob Bethell is back in the squad along with Chris Woakes and Brydon Carse who missed the last match against Zimbabwe due to minor injuries.
Read Also:- Travis Head needs just 83 runs to break this iconic record of Virat Kohli
England’s team has changed a lot since they lost 4-1 in India last year. James Anderson retired soon after and others like Jonny Bairstow, Ben Foakes and Ollie Robinson are out as well. India is also changing, R Ashwin, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are out and Shubman Gill is captain for the first time. India hasn’t won a Test series in England since 2007 and have already sent some players ahead to play for India A, while the main squad will arrive in the UK on Friday.
