NewKerala.com

Key Points

England coach Brendon McCullum is confident in his team's varied bowling attack ahead of the five-Test series against India. India enters a new era without Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, marking their first WTC cycle under Shoaib Bashir's rise. McCullum praised young spinner Bashir, who has taken 58 wickets in 16 Tests. The series, starting June 20, will test both teams in a high-stakes contest.

Key Points: Brendon McCullum Backs England's Varied Bowling Attack for India Tests

  • McCullum highlights England's varied bowling attack
  • India begins new era without Kohli and Rohit
  • Shoaib Bashir growing in Test cricket
  • England-India series marks fresh WTC cycle
3 min read

We have a nice, varied bowling attack....: England coach McCullum ahead of India Tests

England coach McCullum praises varied bowling attack ahead of India Test series, highlights Shoaib Bashir's growth and challenges against India.

"We have a nice, varied bowling attack... and we are looking forward to playing an outstanding cricketing nation. – Brendon McCullum"

London, June 12

Ahead of his side's five-match series against India at home, England head coach Brendon McCullum said the bowling attack looks really nice and varied and the Three Lions are looking forward to playing an "outstanding cricketing nation".

India will be kickstarting a new era without their seniors Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in Tests while they will also mark the beginning of their ICC World Test Championship (WTC) cycle as they take on England in a five-Test series from June 20 onwards.

Speaking to Sky Sports Cricket ahead of the Tests, McCullum said, "It is important the guys refresh. We know where we want to get to as a Test team."

He also said that while some quality bowlers are unavailable, the team has a "nice, varied bowling attack with Chris Woakes, Sam Cook, Brydon Carse, Jamie Overton, Josh Tongue for the high-pace element."

He also hailed young spinner Shoaib Bashir, saying that he is "growing in Test cricket every day".

In 16 Tests since his debut last year, Bashir has taken 58 wickets at an average of 36.39, with best figures of 6/81 and four five-wicket hauls.

"We know we are going to be tested against India, and they will arrive prepared. They are an outstanding cricketing nation, who will come here with high hopes, and we are looking forward to seeing them," he concluded.

The series will take place from June to August, with matches at Headingley (Leeds), Edgbaston (Birmingham), Lord's (London), Old Trafford (Manchester), and The Oval (London).

Jamie Overton has been handed a surprise recall to England's squad for the first Test against India after his Surrey team-mate Gus Atkinson was ruled out with a hamstring strain injury.Jacob Bethell has returned to the squad, while Chris Woakes and Brydon Carse are both back after missing England's win over Zimbabwe with niggles.

England's squad has changed significantly since their 4-1 series defeat in India last year. James Anderson retired shortly after that tour, while Jonny Bairstow, Ben Foakes and Ollie Robinson have also been discarded. India have also undergone a transition, with R Ashwin, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma all retiring and Shubman Gill taking on the captaincy for the first time.

India, who have not won a Test series in England since 2007, have sent several members of their squad ahead to play for India A against the Lions, and the rest of their touring party will arrive in the UK on Friday.

Playing XI for first Test: Ben Stokes (Durham) - Captain, Shoaib Bashir (Somerset), Jacob Bethell (Warwickshire), Harry Brook (Yorkshire), Brydon Carse (Durham), Sam Cook (Essex), Zak Crawley (Kent), Ben Duckett (Nottinghamshire), Jamie Overton (Surrey), Ollie Pope (Surrey), Joe Root (Yorkshire), Jamie Smith (Surrey), Josh Tongue (Nottinghamshire), Chris Woakes (Warwickshire).

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

Here are 6 diverse Indian perspective comments for the article:
R
Rahul K.
England's bowling attack looks decent but our young batsmen like Gill and Jaiswal will relish these conditions. The real test will be their spinners against our lineup - Bashir is promising but our players eat young spinners for breakfast! 🇮🇳🏏
P
Priya M.
Excited to see new leadership from Shubman Gill! This is the perfect time for fresh talent to shine. England may have home advantage but our boys have been preparing well with the India A matches. Hope Bumrah & co. can exploit their inexperienced batting lineup.
A
Arjun S.
McCullum is being too polite - their bowling looks average without Anderson. Woakes is good in England but Overton and Carse are unproven at this level. Our pace attack of Bumrah, Siraj and Shami (if fit) is far more threatening in any conditions.
S
Sneha R.
The real battle will be between our spinners (Jadeja, Axar, Kuldeep) and their batsmen. England's Bazball approach failed miserably in India last year. Hope our team has studied their weaknesses properly. This series will decide if we're truly ready for the post-Kohli era.
V
Vikram J.
Respect to McCullum for acknowledging India's strength. But let's be honest - England are rebuilding while we're transitioning. Both teams have question marks. The first Test at Headingley will set the tone. Hope Dravid and co. have prepared our batsmen for swinging conditions! 🤞
N
Neha P.
As an Indian fan, I'm nervous but excited! No Kohli-Rohit in Tests feels strange but it's time for new heroes to emerge. England's batting looks fragile too - if our bowlers can exploit that early, we might finally break the 17-year drought in England. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50