Making the most of the sunny weather, Virat Kohli led his team to practice early and flex muscles in preparation for the opening Twenty20 International on Tuesday. Hitting the nets first, Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, KL Rahul and Virat Kohli all looked in fine rhythm with their timing and quality of strokeplay. Spinner Yuzvendra Chahal was bowling beautifully as well, getting the better of Rohit on a few occasions when the opener left his crease to come down the track. Chahal, however, had little impact on left-hander Dhawan, who targeted the leg-spinner to his favoured midwicket region.
All-rounder Hardik Pandya focussed on bowling variety of slower deliveries while senior opener Shikhar Dhawan tackled short-pitched throwdowns during Indian team’s first practice session at the Old Trafford on the eve of their three-match T20 series against England.
With Jasprit Bumrah being ruled out of the T20 series after sustaining a thumb injury in the first T20I against Ireland, The Indian team management will therefore expect Hardik to be a bit more economical and hence try out more variations against the likes of Jason Roy, Jos Buttler and Jonny Bairstow.
At the nets on Sunday, Hardik spent a considerable time bowling to Rohit Sharma. He was seen mixing slow off-cutters with usual length deliveries. The all-rounder from time to time sought feedback of the Indian vice-captain.
In a separate net, Dhawan after a customary net session devoted extra time to counter short-pitched deliveries.
He took throwdowns with a heavy plastic ball in order to counter the extra bounce. He then perfected the trademark pull shots against tennis ball throwdowns.
In the last bit, he worked with Kaul and dug out some quick yorkers that the paceman bowled, visibly impressed by his efforts.
