Former England spinner Graeme Swann is facing the heat for calling the upcoming England vs India Test series a warm-up for the Ashes.
The series kicks off with the first Test at Headingley from June 20. India will be led by Shubman Gill, while England will be led by their maverick skipper Ben Stokes.
While all the talk has been around how Gill will lead the Indian team. England too are making a new start in the new WTC cycle. Despite playing with their aggressive brand of "Bazball" cricket since the last two WTC editions, they have not made it to the final even once. England managed only 10 wins from 22 matches, suffering 11 defeats and drawing one playing the "Bazball" way.
Grame Swann On England vs India Test Series
Meanwhile, Graeme Swann in a video for Sky Sports termed the India vs England series as an Ashes warm-up for the hosts. His comment has been taken with a pinch of salt even by English fans.
“It's kind of a perfect warm-up for the Ashes series. India is a huge series. "Last 2-3 times, we have gone to India, and we were thoroughly outplayed. So, in our own backyard, our home turf, we need to beat India. We need to play well" Swann told Sky Sports Cricket.
“They don't have Virat Kohli or Rohit Sharma, their two superstars with the bat. Yes, they've got great players coming up instead, but we've got bowlers who exploit our conditions well. England must look to win this series. I will take 4-1, 3-2 at best. I hope we do well and get the confidence moving into the Ashes.”
England play the Ashes series later this year in November down under. However, Swann has received a lot of flak on social media for his recent comments, especially from the Indian fans.
Also Read: India Tour Of England: Gautam Gambhir's 'Aggressive' Nature Singled Out By Ex-Teammate
England last Won An Ashes Series in Australia in 2010, Winless In Ashes For A Decade
The Ashes takes place in Australia from November 2025 to January 2026. The last time England won an Ashes series in Australia was way back in 2010-11. England's last Ashes series win came a decade ago. Since then, it is Australia who have either won or retained the urn in the last four series.
Also Read: IND vs ENG 2025: "India Will Miss His Fighting Spirit" -Ben Stokes On Virat Kohli
