India Stalls High on Cricketing Hopes Ahead of Five-Test Series with England

England head coach Brendon McCullum has expressed confidence in India's preparation and belief ahead of their upcoming five-match Test series, starting from June 20 in Leeds.

According to McCullum, who has been working with the England team, "They're an outstanding cricketing nation, who will come here with high hopes, and we are looking forward to seeing them."

However, England's focus is now shifting towards the red-ball format as they gear up for the highly anticipated showdown. McCullum believes that the team needs to refresh and regroup after completing a whitewash of the West Indies in their previous six-match white-ball series.

The absence of key pacer Mark Wood will be a significant blow, with injury rules him out of at least the first three Tests. Fellow quick Jofra Archer will also miss the opening Test due to his own injury concerns, while Gus Atkinson is still recovering from a hamstring strain.

Despite these setbacks, McCullum remains confident in England's 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 stated.

The England head coach also acknowledged that India will arrive well-prepared and expect to be tested. "We know we are going to be tested against India, and they will arrive prepared," McCullum added.

The five-match series marks the beginning of India's new World Test Championship cycle, with a lot of expectation surrounding their performance in the tournament. As England gears up for this critical test, they look towards regaining their form and standing strong against a formidable opponent.