England coach Brendon McCullum said that even though India have arrived to take on England with full preparation and belief, the Three Lions team is clear on what they have to achieve in the upcoming 5-Test showdown. The series, set to start from June 20, 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. It’s important the guys refresh. We know where we want to get to as a Test team,” McCullum told ‘Sky Sports Cricket’.
England have just completed a whitewash of the West Indies in a six-match white-ball series. Their focus now shifts to the red-ball format as they gear up to take India and also prepare for the Ashes later this year. They will be without tearaway pacer Mark Wood, who has been ruled out of at least the first three Tests due to injury while fellow quick Jofra Archer will also miss the opening Test.
“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. 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,” McCullum said.
England all-rounder Jacob Bathel has been recalled and McCullum was all praise 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 said.
“The world is his oyster. He’s already becoming a leader in the dressing room which is what you want,” he added.
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McCullum also mentioned Jamie Smith and Ben Duckett as the talents to look forward 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 if you add the craft, then you hope you end up with a rounded player.
(With agency inputs)