Former England spinner Graeme Swann has stirred controversy by calling the upcoming India vs England Test series a “perfect warm-up” for the Ashes, sparking backlash from Indian fans and cricket pundits alike. Speaking to Sky Sports, Swann said England "must win convincingly" against an Indian side missing senior players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, and claimed the series would boost England’s momentum heading into the Ashes later this year.
“It’s kind of a perfect warm-up for the Ashes, to be honest,” Swann remarked. “Yes, India have good players, but without Kohli and Rohit, we should beat them at home... I’d take 4-1 or 3-2,” he added.
His comments have been seen as disrespectful by many Indian fans, especially given India’s 4-1 thrashing of England during the 2023–24 home series. Social media platforms were flooded with angry reactions, with many fans predicting a 5-0 whitewash in India’s favour this time around.
Critics also pointed out that England, under the Bazball approach, have yet to win a Test series in India since 2012 and that the current Indian squad—though younger—is rich in talent, particularly with players like Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, Jasprit Bumrah, and Ravindra Jadeja in form.
The five-match Test series, beginning June 20 at Headingley, is being seen as a major challenge for both sides. For India, it marks the beginning of a new era under captain Shubman Gill, with Rishabh Pant as his deputy. For England, it's a test of how Ashes-ready they really are, especially after finishing fifth in the last World Test Championship cycle.
Swann's comments may have added spice to the rivalry—but India will be keen to show this series is no warm-up.
