The highly anticipated Test series between India and England kicks off this Friday at Headingley Cricket Ground. While England has already revealed their playing XI, India's team management is still deliberating on their batting lineup, placing considerable importance on the opening partnership.
All eyes are on Yashasvi Jaiswal, tasked with providing India a strong start alongside KL Rahul. This marks Rahul's third Test tour of England, but it's a maiden voyage for Jaiswal, facing conditions notoriously favourable to pace bowlers. His performance will be crucial for India's success in the series.
Jaiswal has enjoyed a stellar beginning to his Test career, amassing 1,798 runs at an impressive average of 52.88 in just 19 Tests. He shone in the tour of Australia, scoring 391 runs. However, the English team will undoubtedly recall his struggles during the two Tests in South Africa in 2023-24, where the pitches heavily favoured fast bowlers.
Ahead of the Headingley Test, the 23-year-old from Mumbai was observed working closely with throwdown specialist Raghavendra, seeking to simulate the extra bounce expected on the English pitches. Jaiswal requested throwdowns from a mere 18 yards, indicating a focused strategy. He was overheard remarking that the practice wicket had become "a bit slow," highlighting his keen awareness of the playing surface.
Furthermore, Jaiswal practiced standing outside the crease, a tactic aimed at mitigating the swing on offer. The conditions at Headingley are expected to be challenging, with a grassy pitch anticipated. Batting coach Sitanshu Kotak was also actively involved, providing guidance to Jaiswal during his net sessions. Following his time in the nets, Jaiswal spent valuable time with head coach Gautam Gambhir, further refining his approach for the upcoming Test.
Key Takeaways for Jaiswal:
- Adapting to the extra bounce and pace of English pitches.
- Countering swing through strategic positioning at the crease.
- Working closely with coaches to refine technique and strategy.