The colored clothing has been sidelined for creams, but traces of blue still linger among England players returning to India after a challenging 2023 ODI World Cup. Of the present Test squad, five spent October and November trekking across India. Although their varied schedule did not include the Rajiv Gandhi International stadium in Hyderabad, remnants of their failed World Cup campaign are still visible. Mark Wood is motivated to make amends with the red ball after his disappointing performance in the World Cup. Wood expressed his disappointment and hunger to redeem himself in the Test series against India. For Wood, this is his first full step into the unknown as none of his 31 Test caps have come in India. He played three ODIs and four T20Is on a previous tour to India. Wood is focused on preparing for new challenges in India by adapting his bowling style to the conditions. He is also open to learning from the opposition’s bowlers and is ready to take on a new role as the main fast bowler if necessary. Despite India being strong favorites, Wood sees the series as an opportunity to aim high.
