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England vs India Test series has kicked off at Headingley, Leeds, marking the start of the 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle for both the sides. This five-match series promises intense competition as England aim to avenge their 4-1 series loss to India in the previous WTC cycle. With iconic venues like Leeds, Birmingham, Manchester, and London hosting the matches, cricket fans are eagerly watching the battle between two top-tier Test sides.
Ben Stokes shares his take on England’s bowling lineup
As England prepare for the opening Test, much chatter has surrounded the relative inexperience of their bowling attack. England captain Ben Stokes has addressed these concerns head-on, emphasizing that experience is not merely about the number of matches played but the skills players bring to the field.
Stokes remarked, “I think like experience is experience…. Obviously it’s spoken about a lot, but I see at the end of the day, whether you’ve played 100 games or five games, it’s the skills that are the most important, valuable thing when you come out to play any form of cricket.”
He highlighted Brydon Carse’s impressive start to his international career across formats and praised Josh Tongue’s return from injury, calling it “very exciting” to see him back performing well for Notts and getting another chance with England.
Stokes’ confidence in the bowling unit reflects a broader belief in nurturing talent and skill over reliance on sheer experience. This approach aligns with England’s recent strategy to evolve their bowling attack by integrating pace bowlers like Gus Atkinson and Mark Wood, both capable of bowling at 90mph with control and skill, marking a new era post-James Anderson.
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England’s inexperienced yet promising bowling attack
England’s bowling attack for the Leeds Test is notably youthful and less experienced compared to traditional lineups. Key bowlers like Carse and Tongue are still early in their international careers but have shown promising performances. Carse’s all-format impact and Tongue’s recovery from a year-long injury absence add depth and freshness to the squad. Alongside them, established players like Chris Woakes and Wood provide a blend of experience and pace.
This bowling lineup, while inexperienced in terms of matches played, brings a fresh energy and pace that Stokes believes will challenge the Indian batting order. The attack’s new-found speed and skill are expected to be crucial in the English conditions, especially at venues like Headingley, where swing and seam movement can be decisive.
