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Xtra Time Web Desk: The good thing about this current Indian cricket team is each member has role clarity. And that is reflected on the matches in the ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. The Men in Blue have won all their five matches so far and are the only undefeated side in the competition.

The focus on Friday’s optional training session was on Shubman Gill practicing horizontal shots with tennis ball. Gill was seen practicing not to hit aerial shots. He was thrown a tennis ball with a racquet by left arm throwdown specialist Nuwan. This special practice went on for almost 15-20 minutes.

Earlier at the start of the practice session, Gill was seen facing the likes of Shardul Thakur and Mohammed Shami. The 24-year-old has looked in great touch with the bat. He even had a long one-on-one discussion with Head Coach Rahul Dravid and batting coach Vikram Rathour.

It was an optional practice session with most big stars like captain Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, Jasprit Bumrah, and Ravichandran Ashwin skipping it. Only six players turned up including the likes of Shubman Gill, Ishan Kishan, Shardul Thakur, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Mohammed Shami.

Both Shami and Shardul bowled full throttle in the nets. It will be interesting whether both gets an opportunity against England or not as the wicket here at the Ekana stadium traditionally favours the spinners. In that case Ravichandran Ashwin also gave a fair chance of making it into the playing XI.

The team management will have a good headache whether to leave Shami out of playing XI against England. Shami's performance against New Zealand in Dharamsala was game-changing, taking five wickets in the game.

In 2023, Shami has been in impressive form in the 50-over format, amassing 24 wickets in 13 matches at an average of 21.04 and a strike rate of 23.50. The alternative consideration revolves around Mohammed Siraj, the second-best ranked bowler. Siraj has displayed moments of brilliance during the tournament, but he has only managed to secure six wickets in five matches thus far.

Rohit and his boys will have a final practice session under the lights on Saturday at the venue.