In addition to throwing down the gauntlet ahead of the highly anticipated five-Test series against India, former England spinner Graeme Swann has angered fans by asking Ben Stokes' team to gain momentum against Shubman Gill's team before the Ashes later this year in Australia. England's first Test assignment since placing a dismal sixth in the 2023–25 World Test Championship cycle will be the five-match series against India, which kicks off at Headingley on June 20.
Despite their aggressive "Bazball" strategy, England only won 10 of their 22 games, losing 11 and drawing one.
Also Read - IND vs ENG: India reach Leeds via train for series opener, Harshit Rana added to squad as cover
Even though India does not have Rohit Sharma or Virat Kohli, they are by no means underdogs. Although the team offers an excellent mix of youth and experience, many supporters, notably those in England, have taken issue with Swann's suggestion that England should view the series as a "warm-up" for the Ashes.
“It's kind of a perfect warm-up for the Ashes series. India is a huge series,” Swann told Sky Sports Cricket.
"Last 2-3 times, we have gone to India, and we were thoroughly outplayed. So, in our own backyard, our home turf, we need to beat India. We need to play well."
“They don't have Virat Kohli or Rohit Sharma, their two superstars with the bat. Yes, they've got great players coming up instead, but we've got bowlers who exploit our conditions well. England must look to win this series. I will take 4-1, 3-2 at best. I hope we do well and get the confidence moving into the Ashes.”
Swann's remark, however, did not sit well with the fans.
Australia hosts the Ashes between November 2025 and January 2026. With a 3-1 victory over their most formidable opponents, England last won the Ashes Down Under in 2010–11. Since then, Australia has won or kept the trophy in four Ashes series since their previous victory ten years ago.
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, two of India's most accomplished batsmen, both announced their retirements from Test cricket earlier this year, therefore they are not traveling to England. With wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant picked as his deputy, Shubman Gill will take on his first captaincy role in the longest format. Nonetheless, the line-up includes players like KL Rahul and Jasprit Bumrah who have previously captained the Indian Test team.
The retirements of Stuart Broad and James Anderson have caused a generational shift in England's bowling attack, which will be put to the test against an Indian team. Swann, though, appears to be setting the tone for the home team's next journey to Australia by supporting the seamers to perform well in familiar conditions.
Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
