England's red-ball team are back in action for the first time in almost six months on Thursday, beginning a five-match tour in Hyderabad.
India have been dominant on home soil over the past decade and have lost only three matches out of 46 since they last lost a series, to Sir Alastair Cook's England in 2012.
But McCullum refuses to be pessimistic and is instead piecing together an XI that can spring a surprise. On a pitch that is expected to offer plenty of turn, England must decide how bold to be with a callow spin unit featuring the established Jack Leach and rookies Rehan Ahmed, Tom Hartley and Shoaib Bashir.
"What balance we go for, we'll work out in the coming days, but the thing we need to be is really brave with whatever we decide," he said.
This story is from the January 23, 2024 edition of The Herald.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the January 23, 2024 edition of The Herald.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
NO FREE HIT FOR ARGYLE
ROONEY IS TAKING HIS PILGRIMS TO ELLAND ROAD TO WIN
Divers make a splash with impressive start to season
PLYMOUTH Diving made an impressive start to the season at their first competitive meet weekend.
Argyle praised for keeping the faith with Wayne Rooney
WHILE the outlook remains uncertain for Wayne Rooney amid Plymouth Argyle's onfield inconsistencies, former Pilgrims stopper Graham Stack is confident the club is making good decisions at all levels.
Man in court on driving charges
A MAN has appeared in court charged with a number of motoring offences after a car crashed in a residential street in Plymouth.
Government's alcohol consumption revealed
THE Government consumed more than 5,500 bottles of wine and spirits in the past two years, new figures have shown.
Teen who murdered ex gets life
A TEENAGER who stabbed his 15-year-old ex-girlfriend to death in the street has been detained for life with a minimum term of 17 years.
Floods leave 205 dead
THREE days after flash floods swept through several towns in Spain and killed at least 205 people, the initial shock was giving way to anger, frustration and a wave of solidarity yesterday.
'Proceeds of crime' cash aids city divers
REINVESTMENT OF PROCEEDS USED FOR NEW EQUIPMENT
Career day aimed at boosting confidence
ADVICE AND INSIGHTS TO LAND A JOB
Butcher Geoff is keeping the old traditions alive
A PLYMOUTH butcher who has been in the trade for more than 50 years, having started at the tender age of 14, says his shop is still going strong.
