England assistant coach on the challenge awaiting young spinners in India, his coaching philosophy, and why the team are preparing in Abu Dhabi
It is very much a modern start to a tour, England’s men facing arguably the toughest challenge in world cricket – five Test matches in India – but shouldering arms to warm-up fixtures in local conditions in favour of an 11-day training camp in Abu Dhabi.
Though not a first – they did the same before last winter’s historic 3-0 win in Pakistan, while Australia and India have similarly dropped overseas warm-ups in recent times – it has raised eyebrows given the size of the task ahead. Steve Harmison, a strident pundit for TalkSport, has even said England deserve to lose 5-0 because of it.