“It feels so good when both of them are not there” - Rishabh Pant relieved not to face James Anderson and Stuart Broad

Team India wicketkeeper-batter and vice-captain Rishabh Pant has stated that it is a good moment not to face veteran pacers like James Anderson and Stuart Broad against England in the five-match Test series, starting on June 20 at Headingley, Leeds.

Ahead of the start of the first Test in Leeds, Pant addressed the media. When asked about the absence of the veteran pace duo, Pant stated that Anderson and Broad have been there for England for so many years.

Notably, Anderson announced his retirement after his colleague Stuart Broad also announced his international retirement last year. The duo was successful in Test history, having taken 1308 wickets combined.

"It feels so good when both of them are not there. They have been there for England for so many years, and I have only come here for two tours," Rishabh Pant told in the pre-match press conference at Headingley on Wednesday.

"But at the same time, they have enough ammunition in the England bowling line-up, we don't want to take anyone lightly because our team is also young and still looking to develop themselves," he added.

"We are going to play our cricket and respect the bowlers, and the opposition when needed,” he stated.

On the other hand, Durham pacer Brydon Carse, who played five Tests in Pakistan and New Zealand, and is set to make his home debut in this game against India at Leeds, stated that the current bowling line-up is slightly inexperienced in the absence of the veteran duo.

"There's no hiding away from the fact that, over a number of years, England have had Broad and Anderson as the main two bowlers, so it (the bowling line-up) is slightly more inexperienced," Brydon Carse said.

"I think it's a good chance for a couple of younger players, with slightly less experience, to stamp down some authority throughout the series. There has been a little bit of conversation around the new ball but I'm sure, over the next 24 hours, I'll have more clarity over that. It's an opportunity I'd relish to put my hand up and take that chance,” he added.

Notably, Chris Woakes, who has played 57 Tests for England, is expected to share the new ball with Carse in the opening Test of the five-match series.

"It's also good having someone like Chris Woakes who has played a lot of Test cricket in different conditions, against different teams. He's someone that brings a level of confidence and calmness to a bowling group,” he concluded.

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