England head coach Brendon McCullum believes that India must have come here with good preparation and confidence for the five -Test series but also said that his players understand very well that ‘where we want to reach as a Test team’. India will start its new World Test Championship cycle with a five -match series against England in Leeds from 20 June.
McCullum told Sky Sports Cricket, “He is a great cricket playing country, which must have come here with great expectations and we are ready for his challenge.” England recently cleaned the West Indies in a six -match white ball series. Now their focus is on the format of the red ball as they are preparing for India and the Ashes to be held in the end of this year.
McCullum further said, “It is important that the players be fresh.” We know where we have to reach as a Test team. ”There will be no fast bowler Mark Wood in the England team, who have been out of the first three Tests due to injury. His fellow fast bowler Jofra Archer will also be out of the initial Test, while Gas Atkinson is still recovering from the stretch in hamstring. McCullum, however, has full confidence in England’s bowling options.
The former New Zealand captain said, “Some of our good fast bowlers will not be available to play but we have a good and diverse attack in the fast bowling department as Chris Woakes, Sam Cook, Bridan Cars, Jamie Overton, Josh Tung.” He said, “He said,” Spin Department has Shoaib Bashir, who is constantly improving in his sports in Test cricket. We know that we will be examined against India and they will take off with full preparation. ”
India will start a new era without veteran Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and R Ashwin. All three players have retired from Test cricket. The Indian team will be led by Shubman Gill and it consists of young players like Sai Sudarshan and Yashasvi Jaiswal. England again included all -rounder Jacob Bethel in the team and McCullum praised the 21 -year -old player.
He said, “Bethel still has a long career. He is only 21 years old and has a chance to show his talent. He has already made his penetration in the dressing room. ”McCullum also made special mention of Jamie Smith and Ben Docket. He said, “Jamie Smith and Ben Docket reminded me of the pair of Docket and Jack Croly in Test matches. We know how many good batsmen are Docket, but the power that Smith has is amazing.