As the Test series approaches, everyone’s hyped about “a new Team India” facing a “stronger England.” But there’s a big, awkward truth we’re not talking about—England’s bowling attack looks seriously thin.

Let’s rewind. In every Test series between India and England since 2011—2011, 2014, 2018, and 2021—there’s been one constant: the deadly duo of James Anderson and Stuart Broad. These two were England’s bowling backbone, rattling top-order batters and swinging matches single-handedly. But this time, both are absent. Broad has retired and is only part of the series as a commentator. Anderson isn’t in the mix for now either.

That leaves a massive hole.

To make things worse, Mark Wood and Olly Stone—two of England’s quickest pacers—are sidelined with long-term injuries. Jofra Archer and Gus Atkinson? They’ll miss at least the first Test in Leeds. So who’s left?

England will kick things off with Brydon Carse and Josh Tongue, who have played a combined eight Tests. That’s not a seasoned pace attack—that’s a fast-bowling internship.

Chris Woakes is the only semi-reliable option, but even he’s coming back from injury. This makes Ben Stokes’ all-round contributions more crucial than ever. But let’s be honest: this bowling line-up looks shaky.

Meanwhile, India isn’t just aware of this vulnerability—it’s ready to exploit it. England might be playing at home, but they’re not bringing the usual firepower. And in cricket, a weakened pace unit can be the difference between domination and disaster.

So, who’s really the underdog here? It might just be the team with the Three Lions on their chest.

Let the mind games—and the Test matches—begin.

Also Watch: The Great Indian Batting Legacy: Can Shubman Gill match Tendulkar, Dravid, Ganguly and Kohli?

ben stokes

New Team India vs newbie England pacers – Are hosts the real underdogs?

ben stokes

New Team India vs newbie England pacers – Are hosts the real underdogs?