Johnny Bairstow pulled off his helmet, stretched his arms wide, and soaked up a deafening reception from the Trent Bridge crowd. Having just recorded the second-fastest century in England Test history, the England batsman had not only helped his side secure victory in the Second Test against New Zealand, but he had also achieved something far more important – Bairstow had brought the fun back to English Test cricket.
Prior to Bairstow’s swashbuckling, series-sealing hundred on 14 June, England had not claimed victory in a Test series since defeating Sri Lanka 2–0 in January 2021. Now, led by new Head Coach Brendon McCullum, and harnessing a fresh approach defined by positivity, the new-look Three Lions will face their toughest challenge yet when they receive a visit from Virat Kohli’s India.
Between 1–5 July, England and India will play out a single Test at Edgbaston. Technically the previously postponed Fifth Test from India’s Covid-shortened 2021 tour of the UK, the Edgbaston match will give England a chance to tie the series, which currently sits at 2–1 in favour of India. Buoyed by the team’s fine performance against New Zealand under the leadership of new captain Ben Stokes, England will be a far more difficult proposition for India in 2022. With just the single Test for fans to enjoy, demand for Edgbaston tickets has been high, but cricket-lovers can still find tickets on Koobit if they move quickly.
While Edgbaston will be the Three Lions’ last Test match until they face South Africa in August, fans hoping to catch more classic England v India battles can look forward to 2 white-ball series between the sides. First, starting on 7 July, India will look to reaffirm their position as the number one T20 side in the world when they take on their hosts in a 3-game IT20 series, across Southampton, Birmingham, and Nottingham. Less than a week later, fresh from hitting a world-record-breaking 498 against the Netherlands on 17 June, England’s one-day team will face the Men in Blue in a 3-game ODI series played at The Oval, Lord's, and Old Trafford.
From £22 adult tickets at the Edgbaston Test, through to bucket-list luxury at historic Lord’s, England’s Indian Summer is set to provide everything a cricket fan could desire. Now just cross your fingers for good weather!
For more information, or to purchase tickets for India’s tour of England, click here.