New Delhi: Former England spinner Graeme Swann’s recent comments on the upcoming Test series between India and England have not gone down well with Indian fans. Swann has sparked a controversy by calling the India series a ‘perfect warm-up’ for England ahead of the Ashes 2025-26 against Australia later this year.
Swann made the comments while speaking on Sky Sports ahead of the start of the five-match series, which gets underway on Friday, June 20. The former England spinner insisted the Test series against India is ‘huge’ for the hosts, but called it a warm-up for the Ashes. He also backed England to win the Test series comfortably in the absence of the senior Indian duo of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who retired from the longest format last month.
“It’s kind of a perfect warm-up for the Ashes to be honest…India is a huge series. The last 2-3 times we have gone to India, we have been thoroughly outplayed. So in our own backyard, our home turf, we need to beat India. We need to play well. They are not gonna have Virat Kohli or Rohit Sharma, their two absolute superstars with the bat,” Swann said on Sky Sports.
“So, without that, yes, they have got great players coming in instead, but we have bowlers who can exploit our conditions well, who can bowl really well. I think England must look to win this series and I think they should look to win it convincingly as well. I will take 4-1, 3-2. I will push, but I really hope we do well and get the confidence moving into the Ashes,” he added.
“The perfect warm-up for the Ashes”
Graeme Swann on England’s Test series against India 🏴 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/woNyffMJ78
— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) June 17, 2025
However, his bizarre remarks didn’t go down well with Indian fans, who slammed Swann for being disrespectful, reminding him of India’s 4-1 victory in the five-match Test series against England at home last year. India don’t have a great record in Tests in England, but have the firepower to stun the hosts in their own backyard.
Indian fans slammed Graeme Swann for his comments. (Photo: X)
Former England spinner was slammed by fans after his bizarre remarks on India’s upcoming Test series against England. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
