PBKS bowling coach James Hope backs Arshdeep Singh and Shreyas Iyer to be picked for England Tests

Punjab Kings bowling coach James Hope has backed the duo of Arshdeep Singh and Shreyas Iyer to be picked for England Tests. Both Singh and Iyer have performed consistently in the IPL, which would give them a lot of confidence but there is no doubt that Test cricket is a different curry altogether.

While Singh is in line to get his maiden Test call, Iyer might find it difficult to return back into the Test squad. Iyer has scored 435 runs in 12 matches for PBKS at an average of 48.33 and a strike rate of 174.70 in the ongoing IPL 2025.

On the other hand, Arshdeep Singh has scalped 16 wickets in 12 games at an average of 21.94. Singh has also played County Cricket in Kent, which can be valuable on the England tour.

Meanwhile, Iyer last played a Test match for India in the home series against England in 2024 and he was dropped after the second Test at Visakhapatnam. 

The right-hander scored 480 runs at an average of 68.57 in the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy after BCCI contract snub. However, Iyer was added to the BCCI contract list after he performed consistently.

“I think he’s (Arshdeep) perfectly suited for the English conditions. He can swing the ball both ways; he can bowl reverse-swing if that’s required. He can bowl around the wicket as a left-armer (seamer) and still take it away from the right-hander,” Hope told Times of India.

“Shreyas is ready to get back into the Test arena. I think he’s worked hard on his game over the last 12 months. He uses his hands so beautifully, which can be a real asset when you’re playing over there (in England). Yes, I think they both should be seriously considered for the (India) squad,” he added.

The opening Test match between India and England will be played at Leeds, Headingley from June 20 onwards.