England pacer Chris Woakes said it is a shame that their upcoming Test series - named the Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy - against India will be played without star cricketers Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.

India's tour of England will kick off with the first Test in Leeds on June 20. In May this year, Kohli and Rohit announced their retirement from the longest format of the game. Following Rohit's retirement, Shubman Gill has been named India's new captain.

The departure of the two senior cricketers has created a vacuum in the Indian batting department. The selectors have called upon Sai Sudharsan—who batted consistently in domestic cricket—and recalled Karun Nair into the squad after a hiatus of eight years.

“It’s always good to come up against strong opposition going into a Test series that you know is going to be hard-fought," Woakes told ESPNcricinfo on the sidelines of the second India ‘A’-England Lions game in Northampton. “We’ve had some good battles against Virat and Rohit over the years. For the game itself, it’s a shame they won’t be there," said Woakes. “But Indian cricket has so much depth, the players who will come in, I’m sure will be of a very high standard, who have proven themselves some way or the other," he added.

Woakes has always been a great asset for England. He showed that again by taking three wickets against India ‘A’ in Northampton. He dismissed Yashasvi Jaiswal, Abhimanyu Easwaran, and Karun Nair as the visitors scored 348 in the first innings, led by KL Rahul’s 116.

Talking about Rahul’s hundred, Woakes said: “KL played really well, good hundred, on a wicket which did a little bit all day. There were periods where it was a bit quiet, but it was doing something for most of the day. I enjoyed all three to be honest. I felt like I could have a couple more, but pleased with how the ball came out. Most important for me was to get through 17 overs. Ticked box for me," Woakes added.

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