Aoba Tanaka 
The Indian squad is set to assemble in Hyderabad on January 20 for a rigorous four-day practice session ahead of the first Test at Uppal Stadium on January 25. The series, comprising five Tests, promises an intense battle between the cricketing giants.
Upon their arrival in Hyderabad, the Indian players will immediately hit the nets, with Captain Virat Kohli scheduled for a session on January 21. Interestingly, Kohli will take a day off after his nets to attend the Ram Temple Consecration in Ayodhya, highlighting the personal and cultural aspects that players balance alongside their professional commitments.
In a display of commitment to Test series preparation, all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja has chosen to head to the National Cricket Academy (NCA), foregoing commercial engagements and ad shoots. This decision underscores the dedication players invest in optimal readiness for crucial Test matches.
Meanwhile, the Indian players and coaching staff, currently engaged in the Twenty20 series against Afghanistan, will take a brief two-day break after the third T20I on Wednesday. They will disperse for home before regrouping in Hyderabad on January 20, emphasizing the strategic planning of the team management.
On the other side, the England team, having prepared for the series in Abu Dhabi, faces criticism for their late arrival in Hyderabad on January 21. Former England pacer Steve Harmison expressed concerns, suggesting that the team might be underprepared and in danger of losing the series 5-0. He compared the late arrival to England’s successful strategy in 2012, where they arrived almost two weeks in advance when they last beat India in India.
Harmison’s critique brings attention to the meticulous planning and preparation required for cricket battles in India. The contrasting approaches of the two teams add an extra layer of intrigue to the series, with fans eagerly anticipating a closely contested battle between bat and ball.
