Xtra Time Web Desk: The Indian cricket team had a rigorous training session ahead of the first test against England at the Rajiv Gandhi International stadium on Tuesday. The entire squad turned up for the training session which lasted a little more than 3 hours. Pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah was the only player missing.
Middle-order batsman Shreyas Iyer encountered an injury scare when he was struck on his right forearm by throwdown specialist Nuwan. He was immediately attended to by team physio Kamlesh, Iyer after which he resumed batting. However, his return proved short-lived, as he walked back to the dugout after facing just one delivery. The medical staffs of the Indian team provided further attention, administering ice packs and applying a bandage to his right forearm. But the good news was Shreyas Iyer did resume batting following the treatment.
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Another focal point of Tuesday’s practice was the deliberate creation of rough patches on the wicket, where Indian batsmen such as Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, and KL Rahul honed their skills against local left-arm and off-spinners. This tailored preparation aimed at confronting England’s left-arm spinners Tom Leach and Tom Hartley, with a mindful acknowledgment of England captain Joe Root’s off-spin abilities.
KS Bharat assumed wicketkeeping duties while KL Rahul faced the spinners in the nets, signalling Bharat’s role as the designated wicketkeeper for the first Test, as confirmed by Team India Head Coach Rahul Dravid during the press conference. Dravid also affirmed KL Rahul’s role as a specialist batter, likely occupying the No. 4 spot in place of Virat Kohli, who opted out of the initial two test matches citing personal reasons.
The net session saw all the batters, including Captain Rohit Sharma, engage in a prolonged practice. Local fast bowler Mohammed Siraj was seen bowling full tilt against all the top order batters.
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