TimesofIndia.com in Birmingham: Virat Kohli spent close to 30 minutes in a one-on-one conversation with the ODI captain Shubman Gill as India begin preparations for the three-match series against England with their first training session at Edgbaston on Saturday.The long-term exchange appears to be in line with the series’ batting plans, with Kohli providing input on shot selection, tactics and bowling strategies for England in the three-match series starting on July 14. The senior batsman was seen demonstrating different strokes and discussing scoring potential with Gill before departing after a two-hour session involving batting nells.With the entire Indian squad in Southampton for the fifth and final T20I against England – a match which India lost by 56 runs to complete a humiliating 0-4 defeat – only seven members of the ODI team trained in Birmingham.Kohli, Gill, Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul were the leading batsmen in the session, while Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav and Gurnoor Brar led the bowling line-up. India has also used local bowling designs, including two spinners and a fast bowler, to suit the various aspects of the game.Kohli and Rohit looked at their best during their time in the nets. Kohli, in particular, showed a few strokes, driving down the ground with confidence, sweeping and sweeping his mark on the side. Bumrah and Brar always tested the batsmen by hitting hard and delivering the roll, ensuring that the opening session started.Kuldeep also had an extended spell, while the local spinners gave the batsmen more variety in preparation for English conditions.Indian assistants, including coach T Dilip, spin-bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule and bowling specialist Dayasagar, supervised the training as the visitors began their preparations.The ODI series now offers India a chance to rebuild after a disappointing run in the shortest format. The team arrived in England after losing the T20I series 0-2 in Ireland before being comprehensively beaten by England 0-4.India will begin 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.
