[1]The Indian squad kick started their three-day preparatory camp here at Brabourne Stadium on Friday ahead of the four-match Test series against England that begins on November 15. As the team has regrouped for the first time since the disappointing show at last month’s T20 World Cup, the players were seen exchanging pleasantries. They, however, meant business once the session started.
Harbhajan Singh, who made a comeback to the Test squad, was conspicuous by his absence. The off-spinner had to miss the two-hour evening session owing to a delay in his flight arrival, it was learnt. Harbhajan, who is two short of playing his 100th Test match, is likely to join his teammates for training from Saturday.
Barring Harbhajan, the rest of the 15-member squad started the session at 4 pm and after a 15-minute warm-up — a customary football game — the batsmen took the nets for half-an-hour session in four separate nets in two batches.
Zaheer Khan, who had cramps during the Ranji Trophy opener while playing for Mumbai against Railways, didn’t bowl to the first batch of batters and took time off with physio to work on his groin. The left-handed bowler later joined his pace partner Ishant Sharma in the nets. The duo went through their paces under the watchful eyes of coach Duncan Fletcher who stood near the bowling crease. Zaheer didn’t bowl with full steam and was looking to pitch the ball in right areas and generate movement.
Opener Gautam Gambhir who has been struggling to find form had an extended session outside the nets. Sachin Tendulkar in addition to his customary style of batting in the nets faced a few throw downs. Virender Sehwag who cut his finger during a Ranji game showed no discomfort while batting in the nets.
Timing his shots well, Yuvraj Singh looked in fine nick. The team will have a full day session on Saturday in batches from morning.
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