Home sweet home can put India on rack
COACH EYES ASHES BOOST
ENGLAND admit they need the comfort of home if they are to get the better of India, especially in Test cricket.
They finished their tour with three series defeats out of three, the biggest gap between the sides coming in the 3-1 Test series reverse.
It showed just how far England still have to go to mix it with India and Australia away from home.
But head coach Chris Silverwood is hoping a return to their own patch this summer will be enough to turn the tables and send them to the Ashes with more confidence.
“There’s a little time between now and then but we’re looking forward immensely to the Test series in England,” said Silverwood.
“We always know it’s very competitive, with two very good teams going at each other.
“It’s an ideal run-in for the Ashes, to play India in five Test matches and pit ourselves against one of the best teams in the world. It can only be a good thing for us and help galvanize us.
“And when they play against India in England that will give them a bit of spice to fight back, which I think they will.”
By chopping and changing the squad in and out of the bubble throughout the tour, England looked after their players supremely well. The cost may have been a drop-off in performance but Silverwood has said he is more concerned with the health and happiness of his players than he is with results.
“I think the way we’ve looked after the players this winter has been very good,” he added. “There’s a lot of cricket there and we do have to look after the players.
“I would do the same again. I’ve said all along the priority has to be the players are all right.We’ve got to make sure they arrive at big competitions fresh in body and mind.”
Silverwood has now handed over several players to the IPL in good shape and ready for action, bar Jofra Archer, who now appears certain to miss the entire tournament.
The fast bowler underwent surgery on his right middle finger yesterday after cutting it while cleaning his fish tank in the bath before the tour began.
With his right elbow also receiving another injection for a persistent niggle, England are determined to make sure Archer, above, is given enough time to recover from both injuries, which should rule him out until the international summer is up and running.