England pacer Brydon Carse believes India will remain a strong threat in the upcoming five-match Test series despite the retirement of two modern greats – Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. While acknowledging the impact of their absence, Carse stressed that India’s bench strength will ensure the visitors remain highly competitive.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!“Obviously, Virat and Sharma are massive losses. They’ve been experienced players for years and world-class batters,” Carse said in Leeds on Wednesday, ahead of the first Test beginning June 20 at Headingley. “But the depth Indian cricket has and the quality of players coming through, they’ll still put up a very strong XI. We’re ready for whatever challenge that brings.”
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India, now led by Shubman Gill, are in a transitional phase following the retirements of Kohli and Rohit last month. Yet Carse cautioned against underestimating the young side, while revealing England’s bowling plans to exploit their relative inexperience.“Depending on how the pitch behaves, every batter is vulnerable early on. We’ll have our plans and processes to knock them over quickly,” he said.
Carse is expected to shoulder extra responsibility in England’s attack, especially with James Anderson retired and Jofra Archer and Mark Wood sidelined. The fast bowler, who missed the Champions Trophy due to injury, is eager to step up – and even take the new ball if asked.“If the new ball’s offered, I’ll gladly take it. It’s an opportunity I’d relish,” he said. “We’re entering a crucial stretch now – five Tests against India, then the Ashes. These are the battles you dream of.”With 27 wickets in five away Tests under his belt, Carse is ready for his first home Test – and to make it count against one of the world’s most talented teams.
