Matthew Hayden says England fast bowlers aren’t that good ahead of Test series against India

Former Australian opener Matthew Hayden feels England fast bowlers lack teeth ahead of the five-match Test series against India. The first-choice fast bowlers like Jofra Archer, Mark Wood and Gus Atkinson are struggling with fitness and injury woes and they are part of the squad for the opening Test.

Chris Woakes will lead the pace attack for England and he will have the company of Sam Cook, Jamie Overton, Brydon Carse, and Josh Tongue.

Thus, England lack experience in their pace battery and they would look to come up with a collective show.

“I don’t think England fast bowlers are that good. They have got a number of injuries, and a number of retirees as well. So that will be a challenge, those northern Test matches, when it is zipping around, that will be key. Win that one, and it could well be a series that goes India’s way,” Hayden said on Star Sports.

On the other hand, England head coach Brendon McCullum admitted they will have their work cut out against Indian batters, who will come well-prepared.

“There are some quality bowlers unavailable, but we have a nice, varied attack with Chris Woakes, Sam Cook, Brydon Carse, Jamie Overton, and Josh Tongue providing the high-pace element. We also have Shoaib Bashir, who is growing in confidence with every Test. We know we’re going to be tested against India, and they will arrive well-prepared,” McCullum told Sky Sports Cricket.

The opening Test match between India and England will be played at Leeds, Headingley, from June 20 onwards.

England squad for first Test against India: Ben Stokes (Captain), Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Sam Cook, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jamie Overton, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jamie Smith, Josh Tongue, Chris Woakes