As the much-anticipated five-Test series between England and India draws closer, England head coach Brendon McCullum has acknowledged the formidable challenge awaiting his side. Speaking to Sky Sports Cricket, McCullum praised the Indian squad’s preparation and mindset, noting that they are entering the series brimming with belief and purpose. The series, beginning June 20 in Leeds, marks the start of India’s new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.
“They’re an outstanding cricketing nation, who will come here with high hopes, and we are looking forward to seeing them,” Brendon McCullum said, clearly aware of the test his side will face.
England, fresh off a 6-0 white-ball clean sweep over the West Indies, are now turning their attention back to the red-ball format. While Brendon McCullum emphasized the need for his players to recharge, he was clear about their long-term vision: “It’s important the guys refresh. We know where we want to get to as a Test team.”
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England will be without key pacers Mark Wood and Jofra Archer for at least the start of the series, and Gus Atkinson is also recovering from injury. Still, McCullum is optimistic about the depth in the pace department. He listed Chris Woakes, Sam Cook, Brydon Carse, Jamie Overton, Josh Tongue, and Saqib Mahmood as players capable of stepping up.
India, meanwhile, are entering a new era with Shubman Gill taking over the Test captaincy. With stalwarts Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and R Ashwin having retired from the longest format, the spotlight now shifts to rising stars like Sai Sudharsan and Yashasvi Jaiswal.
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McCullum also heaped praise on England’s youthful talents, particularly Jacob Bethell, calling him a natural leader with flair. “For a 21-year-old, he’s got real poise. The world is his oyster,” Brendon McCullum said. He also highlighted the promise of Jamie Smith and Ben Duckett, adding, “They’re fearless players. And when you combine that with craft, you get a complete package.”
With new leaders, rising stars, and key absentees on both sides, the upcoming series promises to be a gripping battle between two evolving Test teams.
