Anderson warns England not to take it slightly

Former England cricketer James Anderson has dubbed India as a tough challenge ahead of the five-match Test series. The Men in Blue will kick-start their next World Test Championship (WTC) cycle with the tour to England that starts on June 20. Ahead of the series, Anderson warned England to not take India lightly while plainly focusing on the Ashes that it set to be played later this year.

Can’t take India lightly: Anderson to England

Speaking on talkSPORT cricket podcast, Anderson pointed out that it had been some time since England last played a Test. While he claimed that Ben Stokes is most likely to return for the series against India which will be a boost for Engand, the veteran warned that India could simply not be taken lightly as an opposition.

“Looking back at my career, I think at happened to much where 18 months out from the Ashes and the management & players are starting to look towards that and actually forget what’s in front of you. India is going to be such a tough challenge, even at home. They are a strong side,” Anderson said.

Anderson spoke about England’s pace attack and claimed that while it was “OK” against India, they had to have a battery of five or six pacers for the Ashes. He claimed that they had players in the squad who could fill the gap against India, but needed a full-strength side for the Ashes.

“Against India we’ll be OK, but when you go to Australia, you need a battery of fast bowlers,” Anderson said.

India vs England Test schedule

• 1st Test: June 20 to June 24
• 2nd Test: July 2 to July 6
• 3rd Test: July 10 to July 14
• 4th Test: July 23 to July 27
• 5th Test: July 31 to August 4