In order to provide top-order hitters with accurate match simulation, the coaching team at Cantiague Park in Long Islands turned three of the six drop-in practice strips into abrasive ones with cracks.
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If South African nets are used in the morning session on the same tracks, it is clear that the Indian squad is determined to dominate on tracks with dual bounce.
Even though Anrich Nortje and Kagiso Rabada both delivered thunderbolts, none of the best Proteas hitters wanted to take a chance on being hurt before the match against the Netherlands.
On the other hand, the Indian players welcomed the challenging circumstances and used them to be ready for the impending task of taking on the Pakistani attack on grounds where teams have failed to score 100 runs in four of the last six innings.
In a three-hour afternoon session against Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Khaleel Ahmed, and Mohammed Siraj, there were no half-measures for the Indian captain Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and the others.
Indian batters Suryakumar Yadav, Pant, and Kohli were the first to reach the net. They faced the likes of Arshdeep, Bumrah, Siraj, and Khaleel in addition to the throwdown experts who were regularly hitting the hard length.
The batters’ primary concern was handling the uneven bounce that was clearly seen on those practice throws.
Despite being hit by a throwdown that resulted in a cut to his thumb, Rohit was unfazed as Indian hitters worked long hours at the net to counter the bounce that may aid Pakistan’s pace attack.
A delivery that lifted from the rear of a fair length area struck Rohit’s left thumb while he was facing left-arm throwdown specialist Nuwan Seneviratne.
The Indian captain was uneasy, but he dismissed it and carried on with his batting. Then, Rohit could be seen crossing the pitch to meet the throwdowns from the opposite end.
The Nassau County cricket ground’s drop-in tracks have taken a lot of heat for its inconsistent bounce, with balls flying thick and fast from length because of broad cracks that are rolled to provide an even bounce strip.
Kuldeep’s match-up against Pakistan
Left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav has an excellent matchup with Pakistani hitters in 50-over games. However, it is unclear if India will want to use him in the middle instead of an Axar Patel.
In light of Babar Azam‘s strike-rate of just over 112 against conventional left-arm spinners, Axar’s dart-like deliveries on leg-middle could prove to be highly effective.
Kuldeep, along with other spinners like Axar, Ravindra Jadeja, and Yuzvendra Chahal, had a lengthy session at the nets. It was surprising that Kuldeep was left out of the playing XI for India’s opening match against Ireland.
The batters were observed playing a lot of cross-batted shots, such as sweeps and reverse sweeps, against spinners.
Jadeja and Shivam Dube took turns batting as the nets session came to an end, with Kohli joining them for his second stint of the day.
After practice, the players engaged in a friendly game of football and bonding, which helped to lighten the mood.
(With PTI inputs)