- By Manik Sharma
- Tue, 23 Jan 2024 05:28 PM (IST)
- Source:PTI
IND vs ENG: Rohit Sharma will be the number one batter England will be looking to get out early after Virat Kohli ruled himself out of the first two tests. Rohit has an impressive record against England, having scored 747 runs in nine Tests at an average of 49.80, which includes two centuries and three fifties.
Rohit becomes even more dangerous in Indian conditions, having scored 2,002 runs in 24 Tests at an average of 66.73, featuring eight centuries and six fifties.
England's fast bowler Mark Wood has revealed the team's plans to counter India's Rohit by using short-pitched deliveries to their advantage in the upcoming five-match Test series, scheduled to commence from January 25 in Hyderabad.
Wood highlighted the importance of assessing the pitch conditions on arrival, as even slow pitches can favour bowlers if they exhibit varying bounce. He stressed the potential effectiveness of short-pitched deliveries, especially against a batter of Rohit’s caliber.
"Yeah, the conditions will be assessed once I am out there, and bumps (bouncers) are rarely bought out here. But the pitch sometimes can be two-paced and, if it is slow, it can help (bowlers) because the batters will be through with the shot," PTI quoted Wood as saying in the press conference.
"Someone like Rohit, I know how good he is on the short ball. That doesn't necessarily mean that I wouldn't bowl a bouncer. It just means that I'll have to be really accurate with it and bowl at the right time," he added.
England, known for playing aggressive cricket under the leadership of Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum, is adaptable to different conditions. Wood emphasised the team's intent to seize opportunities and apply pressure on the home side.
"I think we'll still look to take the game on. I think at times it's been smart though, you know, to consolidate it in and then when the chance comes to put the pressure back on (India),” Wood said.
Reflecting on England's recent historic 3-0 series clean sweep against Pakistan in 2022, Wood emphasised the challenges of facing India on their home turf, where they rarely face defeats.
"We know the challenges here. They (India) very rarely lose at home. I think it's almost like a bit of a free hit for us where we can come in and try something different," Wood said.
Addressing concerns about England's preparedness, Wood dismissed them, stating that the team's camp in Abu Dhabi allowed them to tick essential boxes.
"I think we've prepped really well in Abu Dhabi. We've made pitches, we've scuffed pitches up to make them spin, we've put sand down to make it spin, we've had flat pitches to practice simple and reverse swing. So, we've had all the facilities available in Abu Dhabi,” Wood said.
