Brendon McCullum has set his sights on guiding his team with purpose and definition as they gear up to meet an overhauled Indian team in a five-Test home series starting June 20 at Headingley. The series sees the start of a fresh World Test Championship cycle for both nations.
“It’s important the guys refresh. We know where we want to get to as a Test team,” McCullum told Sky Sports Cricket.
“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.
India will approach the series with new leadership, as Shubman Gill has become the captain after Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s retirements. The visiting team includes young guns such as Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sai Sudharsan, and the side will be looking to break a prolonged drought—India have not won a Test series in England since 2007.
“They’re an outstanding cricketing nation, they’ll come here with high hopes, and we’re looking forward to the contest.”
England, though, have some injury worries in their bowling ranks. Jofra Archer has been out of the first Test, Mark Wood won’t be available for the summer, and Gus Atkinson remains on the road to recovery from a hamstring injury sustained in the recent Test against Zimbabwe.
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In spite of these disappointments, there have been positives in the buildup. Chris Woakes made a good showing in the India A match, bowling 32 overs and claiming five wickets. Josh Tongue, who was to feature in the series opener, too made a good showing with two scalps. All-rounder Jacob Bethell too has earned a recall to the 14-member side following consistent performances on the New Zealand tour earlier this year, including three half-centuries at No. 3.
“Bethell has a good life in front of him,” McCullum added.
“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.”
