England is going to be tested against ‘well-prepared’ India, says coach McCullum

England head coach Brendon McCullum feels his team is going to be tested against visiting India in the five-match Test series starting June 20, but the players know the direction they want to head in red-ball cricket.

McCullum said England is looking to forward to the tough Indian challenge beginning at Leeds as both teams begin their 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,” he told Sky Sports Cricket.

“It’s important the guys refresh. We know where we want to get to as a Test team.”

The host will be without injured Mark Wood for at least first three Tests while Jofra Archer will miss the first Test alongside Gus Atkinson. Despite the setbacks, McCullum is confident of his bowling options.

“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,” he said.

“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 added.

The former New Zealand international heaped praise on Jacob Bethell and said that the 21-year-old has already become a leader in the dressing room.

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“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.

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.”