India are aiming to win their first Test series on English soil since 2007.
England head coach Brendon McCullum said he is clear about the direction he wants to take his Test side as they gear up for a grueling five-match series against India, starting June 20 in Leeds.
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma called time on their Test careers last month, leaving a big void in the Indian team ahead of the marquee England tour that marks the beginning of the new WTC cycle.
Despite their absence, McCullum is wary of the threat posed by the young Indian side, led by Shubman Gill. India are aiming to win their first Test series on English soil since 2007.
"It's important the guys refresh. We know where we want to get to as a Test team," McCullum told Sky Sports Cricket.
England's bowling resources have suffered a blow ahead of the series. Jofra Archer has been ruled out of the first Test, Mark Wood is unavailable for the entire summer due to injury, and Gus Atkinson is still recovering from a hamstring strain sustained during the one-off Test against Zimbabwe two weeks ago.
Chris Woakes used the India A match as preparation, bowling 32 overs and claiming five wickets. Josh Tongue, who is "likely to be part of the Test XI at Headingley" returned with a couple of scalps.
"There are some quality bowlers unavailable, but we have a nice, varied attack with Chris Woakes, Sam Cook, Brydon Carse, Jamie Overton, and Josh Tongue providing the high-pace element.
"We also have Shoaib Bashir, who is growing in confidence with every Test. We know we're going to be tested against India, and they will arrive well-prepared.
"They're an outstanding cricketing nation, they'll come here with high hopes, and we're looking forward to the contest."
The England coach also praised young all-rounder Jacob Bethell, who returns to the 14-man group after impressing in New Zealand over the winter with three fifties from the No. 3 spot.
"Bethell has a good life in front of him," McCullum added. "For a 21-year-old, he's got a real poise, and that allows him to go out there and be present and show off his flair and talent. The world is his oyster. He's already becoming a leader in the dressing room, which is what you want.
"Jamie Smith and Ben Duckett have reminded me of Duckett and Zak Crawley in the Test game. We know how good Duckett is, but the power that Smith possesses is amazing. These guys are fearless, and if you add the craft, then you hope you end up with a rounded player."