Former England pacer James Anderson warns England not to take India lightly in the wake of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's retirement. He urges his team not only to focus on the Ashes but also to focus on this important 5-match test series.
India will begin their WTC Cycle 2025-2027 with a tour to England with 5 tests scheduled across the country. This also marks the new era for the Indian team; for the first time in more than a decade, they’ll be touring England without Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and R. Ashwin.
Also Read: Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli's Grade A+ Contract To Continue After Test, T20I Retirements
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James Anderson Urges Focus Ahead of India Series
Speaking on the talkSPORT cricket podcast, James Anderson urged his England teammates not to take India lightly since it had been days since the last time England played a Test, emphasizing that England shouldn’t underestimate India.
“Looking back at my career, I think at happened to much where 18 months out from the Ashes and the management & players are starting to look towards that and forget what’s in front of you. India is going to be such a tough challenge, even at home. They are a strong side,” Anderson said.
And for the first time in decades, England will be hosting India without the service of their ace pacer James Anderson. When he was asked about his team's current pace attack, he signaled against India. This is ‘OK’ having 6 fast bowlers in the lineup, he said. It's always okay to have backups, and later, when touring Australia, you need a complete setup in the fast bowling department, the veteran added.
“Against India we’ll be OK, but when you go to Australia, you need a battery of fast bowlers,” Anderson said.
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England vs India Test schedule
1st Test: June 20 to June 24 (Leeds)
2nd Test: July 2 to July 6 (Birmingham)
3rd Test: July 10 to July 14 (London)
4th Test: July 23 to July 27 (Manchester)
5th Test: July 31 to August 4 (London)
Also Read: Mohammed Shami dismisses retirement rumor ahead of England Test squad selection
