During India’s first training session following their five-wicket defeat to England in the first Test a few days ago, Mohammed Siraj‘s prolonged net session with the bat has generated a lot of attention on social media. This follows a disastrous lower-middle and tail-end performance in both of the visitors’ innings that cost the Shubman Gill-led team dearly in Headingley.
Mohammed Siraj was observed honing his defensive skills while batting under the watchful eye of batting instructor Sitanshu Kotak.
Mohammed Siraj was photographed honing his skills at playing the forward defensive stroke with soft hands, diving under short deliveries and leaving balls outside the line of the off stump. Siraj’s intense concentration on batting could be a sign that the management is taking a more determined stance.
Prasidh Krishna and Jasprit Bumrah, the other pacers from the first Test, did not attend the training session. During both innings, India’s bottom six collapsed for a pitiful 65 runs. Gautam Gambhir, the head coach, has often stressed the value of each run. It appears that the administration has made the decision to implement a new system where bowlers would also be required to bat.
There are anticipated to be some adjustments made to India’s bowling squad for the second Test. According to reports, Bumrah will take a break throughout the game in order to manage his workload. After poor performances with bat and ball, Shardul Thakur might not secure a spot in the starting lineup. Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana could have a chance to be considered.
Edgbaston will host the second game of the series. The game is set to start at 3:30 p.m. (IST) on Wednesday, July 2. In the past, India hasn’t particularly enjoyed playing in Birmingham. Out of the seven Test matches they have played there, they have not won any.
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