Dubai, April 27 (NationPress) Ravi Shastri, the former head coach of India, asserts that the recently fit pace trio of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Mohammed Siraj will pose significant challenges for England batsmen in the forthcoming five-match Test series commencing in June.

India faced hurdles in the previous series due to the absence of their primary pace attack, with both Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah sidelined by injuries. Mohammed Siraj, who had a tough time during the Border-Gavaskar series, was excluded from the squad for the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025.

Nevertheless, Siraj has displayed a remarkable resurgence in the ongoing IPL, claiming 12 wickets in just eight matches, signaling he is back on track, while Bumrah and Shami have both returned to full fitness.

This series will inaugurate the new ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle, with India riding high on their recent success in white-ball cricket by winning the Champions Trophy.

However, the Test squad is eager to recover after a disappointing outing in Australia, where they suffered a 3-1 series defeat in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, thwarting their aspirations of reaching the WTC Final for the third consecutive time, after finishing as runners-up in the last two editions.

Shastri remarked, "With Siraj, Jasprit, and Mohammed Shami, if they are all fit, they will create numerous problems for England." He highlighted the quality of this pace attack, stating, "It's a top-class unit when these three are healthy. I appreciate how Siraj took this setback to improve himself, returning with great vigor and pace, which is ideal for India as they face England."

In the ongoing IPL 2025, Bumrah has found his rhythm and is spearheading the Mumbai Indians' pace attack after missing the Champions Trophy due to a back injury that limited his participation in the fifth Test against Australia.

Shastri emphasized the importance of managing Bumrah’s workload during the England tour, suggesting, "I would be very cautious with him. Ideally, he should play two Tests at a time before taking a break. If he feels any discomfort, we must ensure he gets that rest."

Shami recently made his return to international cricket just ahead of the Champions Trophy after a lengthy hiatus following a knee injury sustained during the 2023 ODI World Cup Final.

His absence was notably felt during the Border-Gavaskar series, where India struggled without a second experienced pacer alongside Bumrah.

Shastri remarked, "It’s essential to monitor his bowling in the nets, but I believe his experience will help him start strong. His eagerness to be available for the first Test indicates he understands his fitness. With Siraj and Jasprit performing well, that should motivate him to elevate his game."

The first of the five Tests will take place at Headingley in Leeds from June 20, followed by matches at Edgbaston, Lord’s, Old Trafford, and The Oval.