Latest news with #Swann
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First Post
5 days ago
- Sport
- First Post
'Disrespectful, bordering on arrogance': Graeme Swann criticised by England, Indian cricket fans over 'warm-up for Ashes' comment
Graeme Swann calling India vs England Test series as the 'perfect warm-up for Ashes' has not gone down well with fans from either England or India, who have labelled him as 'arrogant'. read more Indian and English fans are not happy with Graeme Swann's controversial remarks over the India vs England Test series. Images: Graeme Swann on X/PTI Former England cricketer Graeme Swann is facing severe criticism from English and Indian cricket fans after he labelled the upcoming five-match Test series between Team India and England a 'warm-up for the Ashes' . While former spinner Swann admitted that India are going to be a tough opponent, he kept the upcoming Ashes at the centre of his preview and finished by saying that winning against Shubman Gill and Co will give England the required confidence for the series against Australia. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'It's kind of a perfect warm-up for the Ashes to be honest,' Swann told Sky Sports. '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, two absolute superstars of the bat. '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.' Swann's preview and his remark calling the India vs England Test series a warm-up haven't gone down well with fans from either England or India. A cricket fan from England said that Swann's comments were 'disrespectful' and arrogant. 'Not only is it disrespectful to call any test series a warm up for the Ashes, it's bordering on arrogance to do so for a series against India,' he wrote on X. It's not difficult to understand why there is not a lot of love for English cricket globally when a test series - against the powerhouse team of the last decade no less - is described as a warm up for the Ashes. — Adam Sutherland (@AdamSants_) June 17, 2025 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Another account by the name of Adam Sutherland said that the comments Swann made are the reason why English cricket is not admired globally. 'It's not difficult to understand why there is not a lot of love for English cricket globally when a test series - against the powerhouse team of the last decade no less - is described as a warm up for the Ashes,' he wrote. Not only is it disrespectful to call any test series a warm up for the Ashes, it's bordering on arrogance to do so for a series against India. — Ethan Dalton (@EthanDalton96) June 17, 2025 An Indian cricket team fan mocked Swann and said that even Australia don't take the Ashes seriously. 'It's perfectly ok not to take things like this seriously . The best part about the Ashes is even Australia plays the ashes to warm up for the next series,' a user by the name Arnab wrote. It's perfectly ok not to take things like this seriously . The best part about the Ashes is even Australia plays the ashes to warm up for the next series . — Arnab (@dasarnabece) June 17, 2025 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Nonetheless, it's not a hidden fact that India face a daunting task in England in the absence of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. All eyes will be on new Test captain Shubman Gill. In an exclusive conversation with Firstpost, cricketer-turned-commentator Ajay Mehra said that the young Indian team can win in England.
News18
5 days ago
- Sport
- News18
Graeme Swann Courts Ire With 'Warm Up' Comment Ahead Of IND Vs ENG
Last Updated: In his preview of India's tour of England the former English spinner termed the series as a warm-up to the Ashes Tests against Australia, which irked fans of the ICT. Former English international Graeme Swann got into hot water following his preview of India's tour of England ahead of the five-match Test series as the spinner termed the Indian series as a warm-up to the Ashes Tests against Australia. Fans of Team India were evidently irked by Swann's approach to the series and considered it disrespectful towards a strong side such as the Indian unit. 'It's the series is kind of the perfect warm-up for the Ashes," Swann said. 'India is a huge series, and the last two or three times we've gone to India, we've been thoroughly outplayed. So in our own backyard, we need to beat India," he continued. 'The perfect warm-up for the Ashes"Graeme Swann on England's Test series against India 🏴 🇮🇳 — Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) June 17, 2025 Swann also touched upon India being devoid of the services of two senior players, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who called time on their careers in Test whites ahead of the English tour. Star batter Shubman Gill has been appointed as the new skipper of the side and while Rishabh Pant will be his deputy. 'We're going to have to play well," the 46-year-old added. 'They are not going to have Virat Kohli or Rohit Sharma, two of their most experienced players," he explained. 'Yes, they have great players coming in, but we have bowlers who exploit our conditions well," Swann continued. 'I think England must look to win this series convincingly. I'll take 4-1 or a 3-2 at most, but I hope we do well and get the confidence moving into the Ashes," the former England turner said. India start the series against England on the 20th of June at Headingly, before heading to Edgbaston for the second Test. The storied Lord's will host the third game of the tour before the sides face off at the Old Trafford Cricket Ground in the fourth fixture. The series will culminate with the fifth and final game at the Kennington Oval. First Published:
NDTV
5 days ago
- Sport
- NDTV
"Disrespectful, Arrogant": England Great Blasted After Labelling India-England Series 'Ashes Warm-Up'
Former England spinner has stirred a debate on social media after controversially phrasing the upcoming five-match Test series between India and England as a "warm-up for the Ashes" for the latter. India and England are set to go head to head in a highly-anticipated series from June 20, which will also mark the start of both teams' World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 cycles. However, Swann's remark about the series has come under severe criticism from users and fans on the internet. "It's (the series) is kind of the perfect warm-up for the Ashes. India is a huge series, and the last two or three times we've gone to India, we've been thoroughly outplayed. So in our own backyard, we need to beat India," Swann said, in a preview video posted by Sky Sports Cricket. Swann - arguably England's finest Test match spinner this century, and the seventh highest Test wicket-taker in England history - was heavily criticised for the way he phrased the series. "Not only is it disrespectful to call any test series a warm up for the Ashes, it's bordering on arrogance to do so for a series against India," commented one user on X. "These guys really need to come out of this Ashes obsession!" responded another user. "The attitude needs a reality check," said a third. Not only is it disrespectful to call any test series a warm up for the Ashes, it's bordering on arrogance to do so for a series against India. — Ethan Dalton (@EthanDalton96) June 17, 2025 These guys really need to come out of this Ashes obsession ! — Madhumita Gupta (@docmadhu82) June 17, 2025 The attitude needs a reality check — Mankutimma (@kaggaVichara) June 18, 2025 England have failed to beat India over any series in any format since 2018. Even more strikingly, England have also failed to win the Ashes since 2015, which was pointed out by many on the internet. It's not difficult to understand why there is not a lot of love for English cricket globally when a test series - against the powerhouse team of the last decade no less - is described as a warm up for the Ashes. — Adam Sutherland (@AdamSants_) June 17, 2025 It's perfectly ok not to take things like this seriously . The best part about the Ashes is even Australia plays the ashes to warm up for the next series . — Arnab (@dasarnabece) June 17, 2025 England treat every series preceding to Ashes as "Warm Up" only to end up winning 5 sessions on the course of 5 games in Australia. — Rajdeep (@Rajdeep_C_18) June 17, 2025 The upcoming series between England and India is set to receive even more eyeballs, owing to the fact that Team India are going through a major transition phase. India's three most experienced Test players - Virat Kohli, R Ashwin and Rohit Sharma - have all retired from the format within a span of six months. As a result, India will have a completely new leadership group heading the team into England. 25-year-old batter Shubman Gill has been entrusted with the captaincy, while wicket-keeper batter Rishabh Pant is vice-captain. Meanwhile, fast-bowling all-rounder Harshit Rana has been included in India's squad for the first Test against England to be played at Leeds from Friday (June 20). Rana was part of the Indian squad in England and has been asked to stay back to bolster the senior squad. "The Men's Selection Committee has added Harshit Rana to India's squad for the first Test in Leeds against England. Rana, who was a part of the India A squad, has linked up with the team as India begins preparations for the first Test," the BCCI informed in a release on Tuesday night. The five-match Test series kicks off at Headingley, Leeds, on June 20, 2025.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
'Absurd mentality of English cricket': Former England cricketer hilariously trolled for calling India Tests 'warm-up for the Ashes'
India vs England (Photo by) NEW DELHI: Former England spinner Graeme Swann has stirred up controversy ahead of the much-anticipated five-Test series between India and England, calling the clash a 'perfect warm-up for the Ashes.' His comments, which were meant to galvanise Ben Stokes's side, have instead drawn widespread criticism from fans and pundits who see them as a disrespectful downplay of India's stature in world cricket. Set to begin on June 20 at Headingley, the series marks England's return to Test action after a lacklustre World Test Championship campaign. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! Swann suggested the home series could serve as a confidence builder for England before their trip Down Under later this year. However, critics argue that treating a heavyweight encounter against India, ranked among the top Test sides, as mere preparation for the Ashes reflects a narrow and outdated mindset. 'It's kind of a perfect warm-up for the Ashes series. India is a huge series,' Swann told Sky Sports Cricket. "Last 2-3 times, we have gone to India, and we were thoroughly outplayed. So, in our own backyard, our home turf, we need to beat India. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Brought to you by Undo We need to play well. 'They don't have Virat Kohli or Rohit Sharma, their two superstars with the bat. Yes, they've got great players coming up instead, but we've got bowlers who exploit our conditions well. England must look to win this series. I will take 4-1, 3-2 at best. I hope we do well and get the confidence moving into the Ashes.' Following these comments, Swann faced heavy backlash on social media. India, under Shubman Gill's leadership, have arrived in Leeds with a potent mix of emerging and experienced players. Young pacer Harshit Rana has been added to the squad, further bolstering India's pace attack. Having previously represented India A, Rana is expected to be a valuable asset on English pitches. Kuldeep Yadav hints at spin-friendly wicket ahead of England Test series The Indian team had a brief tune-up in the form of an intra-squad game against India A, offering key players like KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal some much-needed match practice. As the first Test approaches, Swann's comments continue to spark debate. For many, it's a stark reminder of how English cricket, at times, clings to its Ashes-centric worldview, often to the detriment of appreciating world-class contests like India vs England.
Hindustan Times
5 days ago
- Sport
- Hindustan Times
Swann labelled 'arrogant' by fans for calling India vs England 'warm-up for Ashes': 'Disrespectful. Absurd mentality'
Former England spinner Graeme Swann has thrown down the gauntlet ahead of the blockbuster five-Test series against India, but is also drawing fan ire for urging Ben Stokes' men to spark momentum against Shubman Gill's men ahead of the Ashes later this year in Australia. The five-match series, which begins at Headingley on June 20, will be England's first Test assignment since finishing a disappointing fifth in the 2023-25 World Test Championship cycle. Despite their aggressive 'Bazball' approach, England managed only 10 wins from 22 matches, suffering 11 defeats and drawing one. While India are without the services of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, they can hardly be considered underdogs. The side boasts of an impressive blend of youth and experience; however, Swann's suggestion that England should consider the series as a 'warm-up' for the Ashes hasn't sit well with many fans, including those from England. 'It's kind of a perfect warm-up for the Ashes series. India is a huge series,' Swann told Sky Sports Cricket. "Last 2-3 times, we have gone to India, and we were thoroughly outplayed. So, in our own backyard, our home turf, we need to beat India. We need to play well. 'They don't have Virat Kohli or Rohit Sharma, their two superstars with the bat. Yes, they've got great players coming up instead, but we've got bowlers who exploit our conditions well. England must look to win this series. I will take 4-1, 3-2 at best. I hope we do well and get the confidence moving into the Ashes.' The fans, however, weren't too happy with Swann's comment. The Ashes takes place in Australia from November 2025 to January 2026. England last won the Ashes Down Under in 2010/11, when they defeated their fiercest rivals 3-1. However, their last Ashes series win came 10 years ago; since then, Australia have either won or retained the urn in four series. India, meanwhile, are touring England without two of their most decorated batters in Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, both of whom announced their retirements from Test cricket earlier this year. Shubman Gill will undertake his maiden captaincy assignment in the longest format, with wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant being named as his deputy. The side does, however, feature players who have captained the Indian Test team in the past (KL Rahul and Jasprit Bumrah). England's bowling attack, which has undergone a generational shift with the retirements of Stuart Broad and James Anderson, will be tested against an Indian lineup.. However, Swann is backing the home side's seamers to deliver in familiar conditions and seemingly set the tone ahead of their tour to Australia.
