‘They’ll arrive with great expectations’ – Brendon McCullum refuses to underestimate young India

England head coach Brendon McCullum is aware of how dangerous the young players in the Shubman Gill-led camp can be in the upcoming five-match Test series, even though India may not have brought experienced players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Mohammed Shami, and Ravichandran Ashwin to the UK.

After Rohit Sharma announced his intention to retire from the red-ball format last month, Shubman was named captain and would be leading the Indian Test team for the first time. He faces a challenging assignment as he attempts to lead India to victory against a strong England team in the 2025–2027 World Test Championship cycle.

Brendon McCullum said “Sky Sports Cricket” that “they are an outstanding cricketing nation, who will come here with high hopes, and we are looking forward to seeing them.”

With the series against India scheduled to start on June 20 and the Ashes later this year, the Three Lions have turned their attention to the game’s longest format after soundly defeating the West Indies in three ODIs and as many T20Is recently.

“The boys need to get a refresh. As a Test squad, we know where we want to go,” said McCullum, a former captain of New Zealand.

In the first Test, England will be without players like Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, and Mark Wood, but McCullum thinks they have enough ammo.

“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,” the former New Zealand captain stated. “One of our players, Shoaib Bashir, is improving daily in Test cricket. We are aware that India will put us to the test and that they will be ready.

In the changing room, Jacob Bethell is already taking the lead: Brendon McCullum

Seeing how 21-year-old Jacob Bethell is growing in all formats and emerging as a leader in the locker room also pleased Brendon McCullum.

“He sees Bethell leading a happy life. He has a great deal of poise for a 21-year-old, which enables him to be present and showcase his style and talent. He has the entire world at his disposal. You want him to be a leader in the dressing room, and he’s already doing that,” he continued.

In addition, Brendon McCullum noted that two outstanding cricket players to watch in the eagerly anticipated five-match Test series are Jamie Smith and Ben Duckett.

“I was reminded of Duckett and Zak Crawley during the Test match by Jamie Smith and Ben Duckett. Although we are aware of Duckett’s skill, Smith’s power is incredible. McCullum stated, “These guys are fearless, and you hope you end up with a rounded player if you add the craft.”