Kohli, Rohit big losses for India: Carse

Leeds: England fast bowler Brydon Carse called the retirement of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli as ‘big losses’ but said his country is taking nothing for granted against a transitional young India side.

“Yeah, look, obviously, you know, Virat and Sharma are massive losses for their batting line-up. They've been experienced players over a number of years and world-class batters. But the depth that the Indian cricket has and the quality and players coming through they will, without a doubt, put up a very strong XI. And we're ready for whatever challenge that brings,” said Carse at the press conference on Wednesday.

Just like India in the batting department, England too have been weakened in the bowling department. Frontline pacers Jofra Archer and Mark Wood will be missing the first Test starting Friday, leaving the onus on Carse and Josh Tongue — who have played just five and three Tests respectively —  to share the new-ball with seasoned all-rounder Chris Woakes. Add to the fact that the retirement of their two long-serving legends Stuart Broad and James Anderson, England’s pacers will be stretched against a young Indian team.

“I think there's no hiding away from the fact that, you know, over a number of years England have had, you know, Broad and Anderson as the main two bowlers. So, yeah, so it is slightly more inexperienced. But a lot of the guys that have come in and played Test cricket over the last couple of years have started off well and that will give them a level of confidence. But again, you know, having the likes of, you know, someone like Chris Woakes who has played a lot of Test cricket in different conditions against different team is helpful. He's someone that, you know, brings a level of confidence and calmness to a group of bowlers.”