IND vs ENG: With one foot in the semifinals, India is not taking any chances against a weakened opponent.
Ind vs Eng: Rahul Dravid stood with his arms on his hips, watching the game intently. Gazing at the center-square is second nature to someone who has spent long hours on those 22 yards all across the cricketing world. The former India captain and current coach strolled about gently as the ground crew cut the grass and the surface changed from dull green to an earthy brown shade.
Dravid’s meditative rounds were the final element of the host’s training session on Friday. Earlier in the day, the sun remained a severe source of dry heat, scorching the players to a crisp, while media personnel with parched throats sought water bottles in the shade. Meanwhile, the Men in Blue, preparing for their World Cup match against a battered England on Sunday, used their optional nets selection here at the Ekana Stadium.
Most players, including captain Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, opted to rest. A few more joined the coaching staff, led by Dravid, for a training session at the neighboring B ground. Mohammed Shami and Ishan Kishan were present, as were Shubman Gill, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, and Shardul Thakur, who had missed Thursday’s session.
Gill, the lone specialized batter, hopped across nets, playing straight and putting in those vital batting hours. After missing the first few days of the World Cup due to dengue, the opener thereafter etched 16, 53, and 26, with all three knocks exhibiting a certain consistency before an audacious shot ruined his vigil.
Siraj and Shardul were the workhorses, bowling enthusiastically. Individual batting stints were also taken by the duo. Shami, on the other hand, advocated a gentler approach. He maintained driving or lofting through the line despite only having his left leg cushioned, wearing tracks, and bending his bat against gentle throw-downs. Jadeja sought to polish his short-arm draw in the neighboring net and even threw a few towards an imaginary long-on. Kuldeep used his willow before withdrawing to the main stadium, in keeping with the ‘tail-should-bat’ idea.
Hardik Pandya’s hopefully brief absence is felt, and the Indian think-tank has devised new ways to fill the void he has left behind. Toward the conclusion, Ishan and Shardul continued their search for batting rhythm, leaving the local bowlers and coaching staff to keep the two entertained.
It was difficult to stay cool in the heat while kites circled above. India has done well in the two days after arriving from Dharamshala’s cold terrain to acclimate to the weather contrasts in Lucknow, where the day’s dry heat seamlessly wanes into a more comfortable dusk before the night delivers a nip in the air.
England, the incumbent champion with its championship defense in shambles, may at best act as a spoiler for other teams. And, with one foot in the semifinals, India isn’t taking any chances against a weakened opponent.
Frequently asked questions about Ind vs Eng
How many times England beat India?
The English team has a 4-3 advantage over India in the ICC World Cups since the teams met for the first time in 1975. India memorably overcame England their route to World Cup victory in 1983, but were eliminated in the semi-finals of the 1987 tournament by Graham Gooch and co.
How many Test matches India won against England?
India and England have played 131 Test matches against one other. India has won 31 of these 131 games, while England has triumphed on 50 occasions.
Which team is better India or England?
According to an analysis of all India-England ODI matches with decisive outcomes between 2002 and 2022, India won 41 of the 66 matches, accounting for 62.12% of the total matches. Meanwhile, England won only 25, or 37.88% of the matches.
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