Debasis Sen, Nottingham: Following a three day break the Indian team finally trained at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground on Wednesday. The focus during India’s training was captain Virat Kohli who injured his back during the second test match at Lords. The Indian captain shook aside the speculation surrounding his back spasm as he looked quite jovial during practice.
Kohli was seen doing a round of warm ups on entering the ground before joining a session with the medium pacers. All the medium pacers on tour were seen having a group discussion also involving the Head Coach Ravi Shastri and bowling coach Bharat Arun.
After hitting a few balls the Indian captain was seen doing some slip catching practice. He also rolled his arms at nets to Pujara before going into the nets to bat. Kohli was seen taking throw-downs from Raghu and Sanjay Bangar. The batting session though did not last more than 30 minutes indicating there might still be some concerns. Physio Patrick Farhat was seen giving him some treatment during his batting.
The Indians got a huge boost as Jasprit Bumrah has fully recovered from his injury and his available for selection. Going by the practice session on Wednesday, Bumrah looks all set to make a comeback in the playing XI. It will depend on the wicket whether he replaces a spinner or medium pacer. In that case either Umesh Yadav or Kuldeep Yadav will have to make way for him.
Another change in the playing XI cannot be ruled out either as wicket-keeper batsman Rishabh Pant may make his debut at Trent Bridge. The stockily built keeper was seen batting along side Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane and Pujara in the nets.
There can be a change in the opening order as well. Murali Vijay, who got a golden pair in the second test at Lords may have to sit out. In that case Shikhar Dhawan will make a comeback in the playing XI after getting the axe for Lords test match.
The hosts also got a huge boost with the addition of Ben Stokes who missed out the second test match at Lords. The Durham all rounder was welcomed by fans and teammates today at Trent bridge.
The visitors may trail the five test series 0-2 but that did not influence them to train for an extra day or two ahead of the crucial third test match. A draw in this test match will mean India cannot win the series.
The final two Tests in Southampton and London are slated for August 30-September 3 and September 7-September 11. There is an eight-day gap between the third and fourth Test but the Indian team is not scheduled to play any practice matches in that gap.