As there is a 9-day interval before the third Test match, the English cricket team has traveled to Abu Dhabi for a brief break amidst their tour. Following their missed opportunity to secure a 2-0 lead against India in the ongoing five-Test series, Ben Stokes and his teammates are aiming to utilize this break to rejuvenate themselves before reconvening in Rajkot for the third Test scheduled on February 15. However, the question remains: What will the Indian cricket team be doing during this 9-day break?
India faced a setback in the first Test, succumbing to a 28-run defeat against England, with Ollie Pope’s remarkable 196 contributing to the visitors’ victory. Despite the absence of key players such as Virat Kohli and KL Rahul, the home team staged a remarkable comeback in the second Test held in Visakhapatnam, clinching a commanding 106-run victory. Notable performances included Yashasvi Jaiswal’s record-breaking double century, Shubman Gill’s maiden century at No. 3, and Jasprit Bumrah’s exceptional nine-wicket haul, marking the best bowling figures by an Indian seamer against England in 40 years, thereby leveling the series at 1-1.
Subsequently, the England team departed for Abu Dhabi to take a break from cricketing activities. Brendon McCullum, the head coach, remarked that the break would be relaxed, with minimal training involved, allowing the players to unwind after an intense cricketing schedule.
India’s head coach, Rahul Dravid, was not questioned about the plans for the Indian players during the upcoming nine days. However, McCullum, having received information from Dravid, revealed that the Indian cricketers would be heading home.
As per a report by News 18, the Indian players are expected to reunite for the third Test on February 12, with their first training session scheduled for the following day at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium. Similarly, the England players will be returning the following Monday, gearing up with a practice session two days before the proceedings commence in Rajkot.
