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England's coach Brendon McCullum is confident of England's strong comeback against Rohit Sharma's India in the upcoming third Test in Rajkot. England faced a 106-run defeat in the second Test in Vizag as they failed to chase down a challenging target of 399 runs set by India. Now the third Test is slated to be played in Rajkot from February 15.
The entire English squad will now be off to Abu Dhabi for a desert retreat ahead of the third Test in Rajkot. During this scheduled six-day break in Abu Dhabi, their families will be joining them. It appears that most of their cricket gear remains in India, and their primary objective is to distance themselves from the game and spend quality time with their loved ones.
In discussions with reporters, as reported by The Guardian, Brendon McCullum provided insights into their expected schedule in Abu Dhabi before their return to India to commence preparations for the third Test against India.
We drop the shoulder and go hard: McCullum
“There won’t be a whole lot of training,We have had plenty of training days, two Tests, and this is an opportunity to step away from the heat of the battle. I was talking to Rahul Dravid [India’s head coach] and he said all his boys are shooting home as well,” said McCullum.
“Home for us is a little way away so we chose Abu Dhabi and we are going to enjoy the families [joining us]. Then when we get to Rajkot, we drop the shoulder and go hard” he further added.
McCullum confident of his winning method
McCullum added that the England team as a collective does not linger on past losses and avoids delving into theories. Instead, they aim to maintain their confidence and stay focused on the present.
“We don’t really do theories. It is about making sure the guys are totally clear and present, confident and have conviction in their method,” England coach added.
India's third Test squad likely to be announced on February 7 or February 8
Meanwhile, all eyes will be on Indian's squad announcement for the third Test against England. With series locked at 1-1 following India's 106-run victory over England in the second Test in Visakhapatnam, Indian team management will look to field their best squad against dented Ben Stokes' brigade. However, captain Rohit Sharma, head coach Rahul Dravid and chief selector Ajit Agarkar are left with limited choices, especially, with the uncertainty looming over Virat Kohli's return for the third Test. Ravindra Jadeja is also set to miss the entire series against England after sustaining hamstring injury during first Test, which also ruled him out of the second match in Vizag.
Meanwhile, a top source privy to the development has confirmed Sports Tak that India's squad for the third Test against England is most likely to be announced on February 7 or latest by February 8.
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