BEATEN ENGLAND REMAIN HEALTHY
ENGLAND have admitted they need the comfort of home if they are to get the better of India, especially when it comes to Test cricket.
They finished their tour with a clean sweep of three series defeats out of three, with the biggest gap between the sides coming in the 3-1 Test series reverse.
It showed just how far England have to go to mix it with India and Australia away from home.
But head coach Chris Silverwood (left) is hoping a return to their own patch this summer will help 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.
“It will be 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 galvanise us.”
Some might argue that it is a great shame the only thing England got out of their trip to India was some learning experiences for their players rather than tangible results.
By chopping and changing their squad in and out of the bubble throughout, they managed to look after their players supremely well but the cost may well have been a drop-off in performance.
But Silverwood is more concerned with the health and happiness of his players than he is with the team results so he can leave India happy with a job well done. He said: “The way we’ve looked after the players this winter has been very good.
“I would do the same again. I’ve said all along the priority has to be that the players are all right. We have to make sure they arrive fresh in body and mind at big competitions.”
Silverwood has now handed over several players to the IPL, bar Jofra Archer.
The fast bowler underwent surgery on his right middle finger yesterday.
His right elbow has also needed another injection for a persistent niggle which is a big worry for England ahead of a very busy schedule.