England have asked for a good surface to aid their aggressive strokeplay in the first Test against India at Headingley, Leeds. India and England are set to take on each other in a five-match Test series beginning from June 20. The Ben Stokes-led side has been enjoying a good run in recent times, having won four out of their last five series.
England are eager to continue their brilliant run against an inexperienced side and hence have prepared a good surface to aid their aggressive strokeplay. Richard Robsinon, head of grounds at Leeds, has revealed and continue with their ‘Bazball’ approach.
“They (England) just want to have a good surface, so it’s true, really, so we can hit through the line of the ball. That’s really what they’re looking for,” Robsinon was quoted as saying by ‘ESPNCricinfo’.
Ever since Ben Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum have taken charge of the England team, they’ve guided the side to 23 wins out of 36 matches with one game ending in a draw. During their tenure, they’ve lost just two series against India and Pakistan and managed to register a historic 3-0 whitewash in Pakistan in 2022.
They also drew the Ashes 2023 2-2 after the fourth Test in Manchester was unfortunately washed out. Courtesy of their recent performances, ,having 113 rating points to their name. Hence, they will be eager to climb further up in the rankings with a dominant win against India.
Meanwhile, India don’t have a great record in Leeds, having won just two out of seven Test matches. They lost their last Test at the venue during the 2021-22 series by an innings and 76 runs. Both their victories have been memorable, coming in the years 1986 and 2002 respectively. The Shubman Gill-led side will look to take some inspiration from their past success as they begin a new era of Indian Test history.