ENG v IND 2018: Pandya works on variations, Dhawan tackles short-pitch deliveries in Team India’s net session before Old Trafford T20I

Team India will start their England tour with a T20I affair at the Old Trafford, Manchester on Tuesday (July 3).

India skipper Virat Kohli also sweat it out at the nets | AP

After thrashing Ireland in the just concluded two-match T20I series, Team India are all set to start their England tour with a T20I affair at the Old Trafford, Manchester on Tuesday (July 3).

Ahead of the blockbuster contest, the Men in Blue were seen sweating it out at the nets. As per the reports in PTI, all-rounder Hardik Pandya focussed on bowling variety of slower deliveries while opener Shikhar Dhawan tackled short-pitched throwdowns during Team India’s first practice session at the Old Trafford on Sunday (June 1).

With Jasprit Bumrah now being ruled out of the T20I series after picking up a thumb injury, Bhuvneshwar Kumar will have to carry the additional responsibility at the slog overs. This is precisely why Pandya was seen working on his variations.

Hardik spent a considerable time bowling to Rohit Sharma. He was seen mixing slow off-cutters with usual length deliveries. Every now and then, the all-rounder was seen taking advice from the Indian vice-captain.

Moreover, speedsters Umesh Yadav and Siddharth Kaul were seen sharpening their skills of blockhole deliveries.

On the other hand, Dhawan after a customary net session applied himself against the short-pitched stuff. The southpaw took throwdowns with a heavy plastic ball to perfect his game against the extra bounce.

India skipper Virat Kohli looked intense during the practice session. Kohli negotiated throwdowns by assistant coach Sanjay Bangar as the deliveries were pitched at different lengths on the outside off-stump channel.

Virat also honed his skills against the spinners as he played late cut and reverse sweep.  In the last moment, he worked with Siddharth Kaul and dug out some quick yorkers that the paceman bowled.

(With PTI inputs)

 
 

By Salman Anjum - 02 Jul, 2018

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