Indian fast bowlers’ unique drill with two-coloured ball to get rid of ‘dirty’ habits of IPL

England Tour: Team India Changes Strategy Before Test, Practices with Two-Coloured Balls

The second Test match between India and England is set to take place at Edgbaston. Ahead of this match, Team India adopted a unique and strategic approach during their practice session — using two-coloured balls. The main objective behind this was to help players shed their white-ball (T20 and ODI) habits and adapt back to the red-ball (Test) cricket mindset.

Getting Rid of ‘Bad IPL Habits’

India’s pace bowlers had recently participated in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where the bowling strategies and line-lengths differ significantly. In limited-overs cricket, the focus is on yorkers, slower deliveries, and wicket-to-wicket lines. Test cricket is quite the opposite — where swing, seam movement, and bowling outside the off-stump are crucial. Hence, to bring the bowlers back into Test mode, the coaching staff introduced practice sessions using two-coloured balls.

Use of Two-Coloured Balls

The practice session began with India’s ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah bowling with a half-red, half-white ball. The idea behind it was to better visualize and understand seam and swing movement. Later, other pacers like Mohammed Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, and others also practiced with this type of ball.

Coach Ten Doeschate’s Statement

India’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate said, “This isn’t a new technique. Ball manufacturers around the world produce such balls that help bowlers read seam and swing more clearly. Our aim is to help the bowlers come out of the white-ball mindset and focus on red-ball strategies.”

He further added, “It’s important for our bowlers to bowl outside the off-stump and tempt the batsman into driving. This can only happen with precise line and length. Practicing with two-coloured balls helps achieve that.”

Doubts Over Bumrah’s Fitness

There is still some uncertainty regarding the fitness of star pacer Jasprit Bumrah. Reports suggest that he might not be fully fit and could be rested for the second Test. If that happens, all-rounders like Washington Sundar or Nitish Reddy may be given a chance, as they can contribute with both bat and ball.

England’s Strategy

Meanwhile, England is also leaving no stone unturned in their preparation. During their practice session at Edgbaston, former England all-rounder Moeen Ali made an unexpected appearance. He was seen in a long conversation with head coach Brendon McCullum and spin coach Jeetan Patel. Speculations suggest that England might consider bringing Moeen Ali back as a backup option, especially with the Edgbaston pitch expected to assist spinners.

A Tough Contest Expected at Edgbaston

The Edgbaston pitch traditionally favors fast bowlers, but as the match progresses, spinners also get good turn and bounce. Both teams are, therefore, adjusting their bowling combinations accordingly.

Team India’s approach — practicing with two-coloured balls — clearly reflects their seriousness ahead of the match. Shedding short-format techniques of IPL and adapting to the long-format demands of Test cricket is a major challenge, and the Indian coaching staff has taken a bold and thoughtful step in that direction.

About The Author