India will come with high hopes, England looking forward to battle: Brendon McCullum-OxBig News Network

England head coach Brendon McCullum said the young Indian Test team will arrive with high hopes, but he remains clear about the direction he wants to take his side in as they gear up for a challenging five-match home series.

India begin their new World Test Championship cycle with a five-Test series against England, starting at Headingley on 20 June. India, without the services of the retired Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, will be led by new skipper Shubman Gill. The squad features a promising crop of young batters, including Sai Sudharsan and Yashasvi Jaiswal.

India are aiming for their first Test series win in England since 2007.

“It’s important the guys refresh. We know where we want to get to as a Test team,” McCullum told Sky Sports Cricket.

England’s bowling resources have taken a hit ahead of the series. Jofra Archer has been ruled out of the first Test, Mark Wood is unavailable for the entire summer due to injury, and Gus Atkinson is still recovering from a hamstring strain sustained during the one-off Test against Zimbabwe a fortnight ago.

Chris Woakes used the India A match as preparation, bowling 32 overs and picking up five wickets. Josh Tongue, who is “likely to be part of the Test XI at Headingley,” chipped in with two wickets.

“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.

“They’re an outstanding cricketing nation, they’ll come here with high hopes, and we’re looking forward to the contest.”

The England coach also praised young all-rounder Jacob Bethell, who returns to the 14-man group after impressing in New Zealand over the winter with three fifties from the No. 3 spot.

“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.”