‘I Know What Skills Bumrah Has!’: Ben Duckett Fires Warning Ahead Of England-India Test Series

The cricketing world is gearing up for one of the most highly anticipated Test series of the year as England prepares to take on India in a five-match series starting June 20, 2025. The rivalry between these two cricketing giants has always been intense, and with World Test Championship points at stake, this series promises to be a blockbuster.

England opener Ben Duckett has made headlines with his bold assertion that England should and can beat India in the upcoming series. In a recent interview with Mail Sport, Duckett emphasized the importance of home advantage and England’s familiarity with their own conditions as key factors in their favor. But with India boasting a formidable lineup, including world-class fast bowlers and experienced batters, can England back up Duckett’s words on the field?

Let’s take a deep dive into the history, key battles, and what to expect from this much-awaited clash.

India’s Historic Struggles in England: A Tough Challenge Ahead

Historically, India has not had the best record in England when it comes to Test series victories. Since their first tour of the country in 1932, India has won only three Test series on English soil—1971 under Ajit Wadekar, 1986 under Kapil Dev, and 2007 under Rahul Dravid. Since that last series win, however, India has suffered several painful defeats:

2011: England dominated, inflicting a 4-0 whitewash.
2014: After taking a 1-0 lead at Lord’s, India collapsed to a 1-3 series loss.
2018: Despite moments of brilliance, India was outplayed, losing 1-4.
2021-2022: The COVID-19 pandemic split the series across two years. India led 2-1 before the final Test in 2022, which England won to level the series 2-2.

These statistics underline the difficulty of playing in English conditions, where swing and seam movement pose significant challenges for visiting batters. However, India’s squad for the 2025 series is packed with experienced names and fresh talent, making them a formidable opponent.

Ben Duckett’s Bold Statement: Confidence or Overconfidence?

England’s aggressive “Bazball” approach under head coach Brendon McCullum has given them a fearless outlook, and Duckett’s recent comments reflect this confidence. He believes India is a different team when playing away from home and that England has the edge in home conditions.

“India at home is very different to India away. It’s a side I feel we should beat and we can beat. It’ll be a good series,” Duckett stated.

His comments add an extra layer of intrigue to the contest. While confidence is crucial in Test cricket, history suggests that writing off India—especially in their current form—could be risky.

Key Battle: England’s Batting vs India’s World-Class Pace Attack

One of the most crucial factors in this series will be how England’s batters handle India’s fast bowlers, particularly Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami. These two pacers have been instrumental in India’s success in overseas conditions, and their ability to exploit English pitches makes them major threats.

Ben Duckett vs Jasprit Bumrah & Mohammed Shami

Duckett, however, remains confident about facing Bumrah. Having played against him extensively, he believes there will be no surprises.

“I’ve faced him in a five-Test series before. I know what he’s going to do to me, and the good thing about that is I know what skills he has. There’s going to be nothing that surprises me. It’s going to be challenging, and the red-ball skills of Mohammed Shami are just as threatening as Bumrah. But if I can get through that opening spell, I feel there are runs to be had,” he said.

His confidence is not without merit. In the last Test series between the two sides in India earlier this year, Duckett scored 343 runs at an average of 34.30, making him England’s second-highest scorer after Zak Crawley. Notably, Bumrah dismissed him only once in four Tests.

However, Bumrah’s record in England speaks for itself. In his last Test series in England, he finished as the highest wicket-taker with 19 wickets at an astonishing average of 16.89. Shami, too, has a history of troubling English batters with his impeccable seam movement.

If England’s top order, including Duckett, can survive the opening spells of Bumrah and Shami, they will have a solid platform to build upon. However, if India’s pacers strike early, it could put England’s middle order under immense pressure.

Injury Blow: England Without Mark Wood

In a major setback for England, fast bowler Mark Wood has been ruled out of the series after undergoing knee surgery. Wood’s express pace would have been a key weapon against India’s batting lineup, particularly in the latter stages of the series when pitches tend to wear down.

Without Wood, England will rely heavily on James Anderson, Stuart Broad, and young pacers like Ollie Robinson and Jofra Archer (if fit) to provide the cutting edge in home conditions.

England ‘Bazball’ vs India’s Tactical Approach

One of the most fascinating aspects of this series will be England’s attacking “Bazball” approach coming up against India’s strategic, well-rounded game plan.

Bazball’s Strengths: England will look to take the attack to India’s bowlers, scoring quickly and putting pressure on the visitors.
India’s Counterattack: India, on the other hand, will aim to counter England’s aggression with disciplined bowling and smart field placements. The battle of patience vs aggression will be key.

Key Battles to Watch

Joe Root vs Ravichandran Ashwin
Root is England’s best batter against spin, but Ashwin has troubled him before. Their duel will be a tactical masterclass.
Virat Kohli vs James Anderson
One of the greatest rivalries in modern-day cricket. Anderson has dismissed Kohli several times in the past, but Kohli will be eager to make a statement.
Ben Stokes vs Ravindra Jadeja
Two all-rounders who can change the game in an instant. Stokes’ aggressive batting against Jadeja’s accuracy will be crucial.

England vs India 2025 Test Series Schedule

The five-match Test series will be played at some of England’s most iconic venues:

First Test: June 20-24 – Headingley, Leeds
Second Test: June 28 – July 2 – Lord’s, London
Third Test: July 6-10 – Trent Bridge, Nottingham
Fourth Test: July 18-22 – Old Trafford, Manchester
Fifth Test: July 26 – August 1 – The Oval, London

Each venue presents unique challenges, and adapting quickly will be crucial for both teams.

Final Thoughts: Who Holds the Edge?

The stage is set for a thrilling battle between England and India. While Ben Duckett’s confidence is admirable, India’s squad possesses the firepower to challenge England in their own backyard.

Key factors that will determine the series outcome:

Can England’s batters handle Bumrah and Shami’s early spells?
Will Joe Root and Ben Stokes step up with the bat?
Can India’s batters adapt to England’s swinging conditions?
How will England cope without Mark Wood?
Will England’s “Bazball” approach work against India’s disciplined bowling attack?

With world-class talent on both sides, fans can expect an exciting series filled with drama, intensity, and unforgettable moments. The battle begins on June 20 at Headingley—let the games begin!

Please check for information on the best betting sites in India – https://selectory.org/best-betting-sites/