Signs from the nets: India start with Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill talks at length | Cricket news

File photo: Virat Kohli (PTI photo)

TimesofIndia.com in Birmingham: Virat Kohli spent close to 30 minutes in a lively one-on-one discussion with the ODI skipper Shubman Gill while India began preparations for the three-match series against England with their first practice session at Edgbaston on Saturday.The lengthy exchange seemed to revolve around batting plans for the series, with Kohli offering input on shot selection, strategy and ways to deal with England’s bowling attack in the three matches starting on July 14. The senior batsman was seen demonstrating different shots and discussing possible scoring options with Gill before the pair left after a two-hour session that included fielding drills and hitting the nets.With the rest of the Indian squad in Southampton for the fifth and final T20I against England — a match which India eventually lost by 56 runs to complete a demoralizing 0-4 series defeat — only seven members of the ODI squad trained in Birmingham.Kohli, Gill, Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul were the batsmen included in the session, while Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav and Gurnoor Brar led the bowling group. India also employed the services of local net bowlers, including two spinners and a fast bowler, to replicate different match scenarios.Kohli and Rohit looked particularly fluid during their time at the net. In particular, Kohli displayed a range of strokes, driving down the ground with confidence, executing backswings and finessing his signature shots down the leg. Bumrah and Brar consistently tested the batsmen by hitting the deck hard and extracting bounces, ensuring an intense opening session.Kuldeep also had an extended spell, while the local spinners provided the batsmen with added variety in preparation for the English conditions.India’s support staff, including fielding coach T Dilip, spin-bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule and pitching specialist Dayasagar, oversaw the training as the visitors began fine-tuning their preparations.The ODI series now gives India a chance to reset after a disappointing series in the shortest format. The team arrived in England on the back of a 0-2 T20I series loss in Ireland before England were beaten 0-4.India will begin the ODI series at Edgbaston on July 14 before traveling to Sophia Gardens in Cardiff for the second match on July 16. The series ends at Lord’s on July 19.