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England's head coach Brendon McCullum is aware of the Indian challenge in the upcoming Test series which is scheduled to start from June 20. McCullum has acknowledged that the young Indian Test team will arrive for their upcoming tour filled with ambition and high expectations. However, McCullum has maintained a firm stance on the direction he intends to take his own side, as they prepare for what promises to be a challenging five-match home series against the visiting Indians.
We know we're going to be tested against India: Brendon McCullum
India's campaign will mark the beginning of their new cycle in the World Test Championship (WTC), starting with this significant five-Test series against England, with the first match scheduled to start at Headingley on June 20. Notably, the Indian squad will be without the experienced duo of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, both of whom have recently retired from the longest format. The team will be under the leadership of their newly appointed captain, Shubman Gill, and features a promising group of young batsmen, including the likes of Sai Sudharsan. One of the key objectives for the Indian side during this series will be to achieve their first Test series victory on English soil since their successful tour back in 2007.
"It's important the guys refresh. We know where we want to get to as a Test team," McCullum told Sky Sports Cricket.
England face challenges with their bowling lineup as they head into the Test series. Jofra Archer has been ruled out of the first Test, while Mark Wood will be unavailable for the entire summer due to an injury. Additionally, Gus Atkinson is still in the recovery phase from a hamstring strain he sustained during their recent one-off Test match against Zimbabwe.In preparation for the series, Chris Woakes participated in the match against India A, where he bowled a significant 32 overs and successfully claimed five wickets.
"There are some quality bowlers unavailable, but we have a nice, varied attack with Chris Woakes, Sam Cook, Brydon Carse, Jamie Overton, and Josh Tongue providing the high-pace element. We also have Shoaib Bashir, who is growing in confidence with every Test. We know we're going to be tested against India, and they will arrive well-prepared. They're an outstanding cricketing nation, they'll come here with high hopes, and we're looking forward to the contest," McCullum added.
The England coach also spoke highly of the young all-rounder, Jacob Bethell. Bethell has been recalled to the 14-man squad after making a positive impression during their winter tour of New Zealand, where he scored three half-centuries while batting at the No. 3 position.
"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. The world is his oyster. He's already becoming a leader in the dressing room, which is what you want. 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 if you add the craft, then you hope you end up with a rounded player," the former New Zealand captain concluded.
India's Test squad for England tour:
Shubman Gill (c), Rishabh Pant (vc, wk), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudarshan, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Karun Nair, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel, Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav
England squad for first Test against India:
Ben Stokes (Captain), Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Sam Cook, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jamie Overton, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jamie Smith, Josh Tongue, Chris Woakes
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