New Delhi: Former England spinner Graeme
Indian fans are not pleased with Swann’s previous remarks regarding the forthcoming Test series between England and India.
Swann has caused controversy with his statement that the India series is a “fantastic warm-up” for England prior to their Ashes 2025–26 match against Australia later this year. Prior to the start of the five-match series, which begins on Friday, June 20, Swann made the remarks on Sky Sports. Swann said the Test series against India was “essential” for the hosts, but he also regarded it as a warm-up for the Ashes. Furthermore, he forecast that England would win the Test series with ease even without the senior Indian team, which includes Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who declared their retirement from the longest format last month.
To be honest, it is a great prelude to the Ashes. India is a major series. Therefore, we must defeat India in our own backyard, on our own territory. We must do well. “They will not have their two batting superstars, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma,” Swann stated on Sky Sports.
“So, without that, sure, they have excellent players coming in, but we have bowlers who can really bowl and take advantage of our conditions.” In my opinion, England should aim to win this series and do so in a convincing manner. I will go with 4-1, 3-2. I will give it my all, but I sincerely hope we perform well and gain confidence before the Ashes, he continued.
Indian fans, however, took exception with Swann’s strange comments and chastised him for being rude. They also reminded him of India’s 4-1 triumph over England in the five-match Test series at home last year. Despite their poor Test record in England, India possesses the firepower to surprise the hosts at their home stadium.
When it comes to the longest format, India has always struggled in English conditions. This time, though, the Shubman Gill-led team will be looking to change that by assisting the visitors in winning their first Test series in the nation since 2007. Only nine Test matches, including three Test series wins, have been won by India in England.
India has failed to defeat the hosts in their own nation since Rahul Dravid’s triumph in a Test series in England in 2007. India’s batting lineup is inexperienced following the retirements of Rohit and Kohli, but Jasprit Bumrah leads a potent pace attack that can intimidate England’s batters throughout the series.
