Cues from the nets: India hit the ground running with Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill holding a lengthy conversation

File pic: Virat Kohli (PTI Photo)

TimesofIndia. com in Birmingham: Virat Kohli spent close to 30 minutes in an animated one-on-one discussion with ODI skipper Shubman Gill as India began preparations for the three-match series against England with their first training session at Edgbaston on Saturday.The lengthy exchange appeared to revolve around batting plans for the series, with Kohli offering inputs on shot selection, strategy and ways to tackle England’s bowling attack across the three matches which begin on July 14. The senior batter was seen demonstrating different strokes and discussing possible scoring options with Gill before the pair walked off after a two-hour session that involved fielding drills and batting in the nets.With the rest of the Indian squad in Southampton for the fifth and final T20I against England — a match India eventually lost by 56 runs to complete a demoralising 0-4 series defeat — only seven members of the ODI squad trained in Birmingham.Kohli, Gill, Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul were the batters involved in the session, while Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav and Gurnoor Brar led the bowling group. India also used the services of local net bowlers, including two spinners and a fast bowler, to replicate different match scenarios.Kohli and Rohit looked particularly fluent during their time in the nets. Kohli, in particular, showcased an array of strokes, driving confidently down the ground, executing paddle sweeps and playing his trademark flicks fine down the leg side. Bumrah and Brar consistently tested the batters by hitting the deck hard and extracting bounce, ensuring an intense opening session.Kuldeep also had an extended spell, while the local spinners provided the batters with additional variety in preparation for English conditions.India’s support staff, including fielding coach T Dilip, spin-bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule and throwdown specialist Dayasagar, oversaw the training session as the visitors began fine-tuning their preparations.The ODI series now presents India with an opportunity to reset after a disappointing run in the shortest format. The team arrived in England on the back of a 0-2 T20I series defeat in Ireland before being comprehensively beaten 0-4 by England.India will begin the ODI series at Edgbaston on July 14 before travelling to Sophia Gardens in Cardiff for the second match on July 16. The series concludes at Lord’s on July 19.