Hints from the nets: India hit the ground running with Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill held a long interview

File Image: Virat Kohli (PTI Photo) TimesofIndia.com in Birmingham: Virat Kohli spent nearly 30 minutes in an animated one-on-one discussion with ODI captain Shubman Gill as India began their preparations for the three-match series against England with the first practice session at Edgbaston on Saturday.The lengthy exchange appeared 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 that begin on July 14. The senior batsman demonstrated various strokes and discussed possible scoring options with Gill before the pair departed after a two-hour session that included fielding practice 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 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 who took part in the game 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 various match scenarios.Kohli and Rohit looked particularly fluid during their stints in the nets. Kohli, in particular, produced an array of strokes, driving down the ground with command, executing paddle sweeps and playing his signature leg-side swings. Bumrah and Brar consistently tested the batsmen 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 batsmen with further variety in preparation for the English conditions.India’s support staff, including fielding coach T Dilip, spin-bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule and bowling specialist Dayasagar, oversaw the training session while the visitors began fine-tuning their preparations.The ODI series now offers India an opportunity to reset after a disappointing run in the shortest format. The team arrived in England on the back of a 0-2 defeat in the T20I series in Ireland before being comprehensively beaten 0-4 by England.India will open 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.