Shubman Gill urges intensity ahead of England Tests; watch video

Team India have kicked off their preparations for the crucial Test series against England with an intense intra-squad match in Beckenham. On Day 1, the focus was clear — get the team back in the groove and make every moment count on the field.

In a video shared by the BCCI titled Day 1 Wrap in Beckenham, skipper Shubman Gill set the tone early during a team huddle. “Let’s maintain our intensity, especially when we are fielding. Let’s focus on the areas we want to focus on — as a team, as a bowling and batting unit,” Gill told his teammates.

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Pacer Prasidh Krishna, underlined how valuable match practice is ahead of a big series. “I think it’s really important for us to get game time. Some of us are coming from the A game, so getting some time on the field is really important.

The pitch has been good and hard, bowlers have been in the game all throughout and have bowled some really good spells. Batsmen also showed good character,” he said.

Prasidh also spoke about the fun side of the camp, pointing out how old friends in the team keep the mood light yet focused. “All of us are getting together after a while — a lot of memories, a lot of cricket played with different teams. It’s fun to have funny people around.

You can’t really focus for a very long time when you’re sitting outside, so it’s good to have some fun but also switch on when needed because anything can happen in the game,” he added. As India gear up for the five-match Test series, this practice game is helping players shake off rust and get back to red-ball rhythm. By the look of Day 1, Gill’s men seem determined to stay switched on and sharp for the big battles ahead in England.