India last played England in 2014 and lost the series with a reading of 3-1; this after they had shown glimpses of brilliance in the first Test at Nottingham and a historic win at Lord’s in the second. The margins of defeats following the Lord’s victory were huge but it definitely proved to be a learning curve for the group that is part of the present Test side.
Ajinkya Rahane was a part of the touring party and believed the previous tour to England was a learning curve and a lot has changed since. With the start of a fresh 5-match Test series against the same opposition, Rahane believesare in for an exciting contest. “We played a five-match series in England and we got an idea of how to approach a five-match series. That was a great learning experience for all of us as a young unit, when we played in England,” said the vice-captain.
“You have an opportunity to come back into the series when you are playing five matches. Playing against England will be a challenge for all of us. They have a good side and I am sure it will be a good series. We have been playing good cricket but the important thing is to be fresh till the fifth match.”
India were tormented by the pace of James Anderson and Stuart Broad, and Moeen Ali’s spin too created quite a flutter in the Indian batting line-up. Though Anderson is set to miss the first Test, Broad and Ali will have fond memories from their previous outing; Ali and Broad had picked 19 wickets each in the last series. Rahane though didn’t want to single out a bowler showing respect to the entire England team.
“England have a decent side. Their batting line-up is pretty experienced. Yes, their spinners are new, but I always believe you must give respect to your opponents whether their bowling attack is new or experienced,” Rahane said. “For us it is important to focus on our strengths rather than thinking about their bowling attack or batting strengths. We will be playing to our potential. We want to dominate this series. We have been playing some very good cricket in the last one, one and a half years. It will be important to start well here in Rajkot and continue that momentum into the series.”
But will memories of Moeen play in India’s mind? “That is in the past,” he replied. “Moeen Ali is a good bowler and he's done well for England. But he's not the only good bowler in their team. There are also five other good bowlers. We have to play them as well. The focus will not be on one bowler or a particular batsman. Our focus will be to play to our strengths and do it consistently. That's the biggest point in the series. Our aim will be to dominate all their bowlers. Whatever spinners or fast bowlers they have, we have to dominate.”
