Former England cricketer and current batting consultant Jonathan Trott on Wednesday (February 3) said posting big totals in the first innings and countering the spin challenge with brilliance will be key against India in the upcoming four-match Test series starting Friday (February 5) in Chennai.
Ahead of the first Test in Chennai, Trott said during a virtual press conference: “This varies from player to player. For some, it's the first tour of India and some have been quite a few times.”
He continued, “Different players, different messages but the fundamentals of playing in India are pretty much the same. Big runs, early on, first innings like everywhere else in the world but it is very, very important in India. And playing spin, having your own method, and able to execute that under pressure is the most important thing.”
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The batting consultant also reminded England about India's lethal pace attack and suggested the tourists be ready for both pace and spin attack in the upcoming Test series in India.
He further added, “We saw their pace attack in Australia did really well. They are talented, all-round with the ball. Everyone got a good pace attack these days. That's crucial to prepare for both. Confront the new ball, spin in the middle, skill has to be very very high and playing in the heat and humidity of Chennai, you have to be very fit and strong.”
On Captain Joe Root, who is set to play his 100th Test, Trott said: “Baby faced... you won't say he has played 100 Test matches. But not surprised one bit. In warm-up games (in 2012 when he came into the side), he impressed everybody. He has gone from strength to strength.
The way he leads by example. He has a passion for the game and desire, still wants to improve and that rubs on others. We are lucky to have a player like him, leading and the way he bats in the middle order.”
On being asked if Root’s batting would be key in India, the Englishman said: “Captaining in India is a skill in itself, conditions, rotating bowlers. He has done well, we saw that in Sri Lanka. Seems to be very natural, his captaincy and decision making. It's going to be a real challenge but we have the confidence in Joe. Can't wait to get started.”
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Trott further added that his role in India would be to help his players adapt to conditions while saying having a balance would be very important to win Test matches.
He continued, “You got to make sure you have the right options of bowlers as well, it is paramount when it comes to winning Test matches.
You try to get balance and that is where players like Ben Stokes adds that balance. The key is to have a good game plan as a batter and chip in and hold on, understand what your role is.”
In England, Test cricket is back in the TV sets on a free-to-air basis with Channel 4 getting the rights and Trott signed off by saying: “I think the more people we can get watching the game is a great idea and fantastic for the sport.
I'm sure it''s going to be exciting for everybody. For people in lockdown, hopefully, they can watch it and we can get the nation behind the side and give a little bit back in what is quite a testing time all around the world.”
(With PTI Inputs)
