With team India going into the 5 match Test Series against England and several Cricket Pundits calling this as “India’s best opportunity to win a Test Series in England”, a well contested practice game will definitely set the tempo for the team. So, with India looking to get acclimatized to these conditions and while intending to strike the iron while it is hot, let’s take a look at the key take away from the 3-day Practice match against the County Select XI: –
Openers Conundrum: –
With Shubman out with a splint shin and Rohit securing his position by playing decently well in the previous series. One spot is up for grabs. The prime contenders being Mayank Agarwal and his Karnataka teammate KL Rahul. Both of them are sure of getting game time as Rahul will be taking the gloves in Rishabh’s absence. After showing profound promise in the initial few innings against SA, Bangladesh and NZ Mayank lost his touch and was eventually dropped. Rahul on the other hand has been out of the test 11 for a long time. However, this might be the exact opportunity for both the prolific prodigies to offer to us the best they have.
Shardul the 3rd seamer? : –
After being the prima facie protagonist in India’s Gabba Glory, Shardul Thakur did grab a few eye balls. It is his batting capabilities which make him an exquisite utility player. With India looking for a 3rd seamer and the tour being a very long one; Shardul is most probably going to get a game or two. This practice game can be a great time for the management to test his abilities in English conditions and also determine whether Shardul fits the required bill.
Seniors getting back to touch: –
After the WTC final it was certain that it was the senior players who failed to step up on the grand stage and India conceded the game. However, the England series gives the players a good opportunity to successfully avenge the defeat. It has been a long time we haven’t seen triple figures from Pujara and same being the case with VK. Rohit as well can get into the groove with this practice game. Also, it is a golden opportunity for Bumrah to get his much-needed rhythm back. Jinx too needs to capitalize on the starts that he gets. Though, in recent times the team has done well as a whole, a glorious performance from all these seniors will be a cherry on the top and as a fan, I am certain that such a performance is just at our door step.
To conclude I would quote that “It is not the defeat that defines you but the comeback you make does”. Keeping aside the blues of the WTC final the team needs to move on and look up to the England Series as a new challenge. And as a whole I am sure that this series of 2021 has a lot to offer.