Birmingham, May 31:
Indian cricketers face the daunting twin tasks of leaving behind the IPL spot-fixing scam and adapting to the tough conditions here as they begin their preparations for the ICC Champions Trophy with a warm-up game against Sri Lanka tomorrow.
Some on-field action will help divert the attention from the scandal, which has tarnished the reputation of Indian cricket.
The conditions favour India’s fast bowlers but they need to sort out their line and length. India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni has already said that they will follow a five-bowler strategy.
India’s success would hinge on how well the pacers exploit the conditions and there are a lot of expectations from the young Bhuvaneshwar Kumar who can swing the ball both ways.
Bhuvaneshwar has impres-sed in the limited opportunities he has got, especially against Pakistan in a home ODI series. Conditions would be ideal for his style of bowling and he would look to cement his place in the side with some solid performances.
Umesh Yadav, who has returned to the fold after recovering from an injury, could not get a better opportunity to force his way back in the side as the pitches in England will assist him.
Ishant Sharma also looks in good touch after being instrumental in his IPL side Sunrisers Hyderabad’s stupendous show. (PTI)
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