'Batters should be licking their lips': Kevin Pietersen's message to India ahead of England Test

As India gears up for a high-stakes five-match Test series against England, former England star Kevin Pietersen has highlighted a key advantage for the visitors. In a clip posted on Delhi Capitals' X handle, Pietersen pointed out the absence of England’s veteran fast bowlers Stuart Broad and James Anderson as a significant factor India can exploit."But I think where India should count themselves very lucky, there's no Anderson and there's no Broad. So it'll be a young bowling line-up, and if they bat well in England I think they can really put up a good Test against this England side. It'll be the first time that they play a home series in years and years and years without Broad and without Anderson. So, from an Indian's perspective, the batters should be licking their lips saying 'Let's go and bat long'.

If they bat long, they can do well," said Pietersen, who served as DC's mentor for the 2025 Indian Premier League season.The series, which begins at Headingley, Leeds, on June 20, marks the start of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle. It will be a crucial test for both teams, with India led by newly appointed Test captain Shubman Gill and vice-captain Rishabh Pant.

The absence of experienced Indian leaders Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli adds to the significance of this tour as the team looks to establish a new era in Test cricket.

England, captained by Ben Stokes, will field a relatively young bowling attack in the absence of Broad and Anderson, which could provide India’s batsmen with opportunities to build long innings. Historically, English conditions have tested even the best players, but Pietersen’s comments suggest that Indian batters have a chance to capitalize and put pressure on the hosts.

With fresh leadership and several new faces in the squads, this series promises to be a fascinating battle. India will be eager to end their long wait for a Test series victory in England, a feat they last achieved in 2007. The five Tests will be played across iconic English venues including Edgbaston, Lord’s, Old Trafford, and Kennington Oval.