Is the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy a Turning Point for India's Lower Order?

Birmingham, June 28 (NationPress) Following a pair of batting collapses that hindered India’s chance of establishing a stronger foothold in the first Test against England, fast bowler Prasidh Krishna emphasized that the lower-order batsmen are actively refining their techniques during net practices and are committed to staying at the crease longer.

At Headingley, India found themselves losing their last seven wickets for just 41 runs in the first innings, followed by losing their last six wickets for a mere 31 runs in the second innings. Despite amassing five centuries, the visitors ultimately faced a five-wicket defeat to England in the ongoing five-match Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.

“As lower-order batsmen, we are certainly focusing on our batting. If you observe our net sessions, we are putting in substantial effort. It’s essential to engage your mind too. Trust yourself and your skills; stay at the crease longer, and the runs will come. We are dedicated to this,” Prasidh shared with reporters in Birmingham on Saturday.

This series against England marks Shubman Gill's debut as India’s Test captain following Rohit Sharma's retirement. Prasidh, who previously played under Gill at Gujarat Titans in the IPL 2025, remarked on Gill’s performance as captain in Leeds.

“Regarding Shubman, I believe he managed the team quite well. We all noticed how he rotated the bowlers, ensured everyone received adequate breaks, and deployed the right bowlers at crucial times. He fosters a positive atmosphere and communicates effectively with all of us,” he added.

Prasidh, who had a costly bowling performance at Headingley, discussed how the wind and sporadic drizzle added challenges for the Indian bowling attack.

“You strive to run in hard. The wind can be inconsistent, making it crucial to gauge your run-up pace accurately. I spoke with a few teammates about how they maintained the right tempo while bowling,” he explained.

“Ultimately, we aim to bowl consistently on the pitch whenever we arrive. Being aware of the wind’s direction and maintaining balance at the delivery point is essential,” he continued.

“The rain and drizzle did not help our cause. When Joe Root came to bat, the ball was moving around, and the persistent drizzle made it challenging. Each time the ball touches the ground, it gets wet, leading to a softer ball that lacks shine.”

“I think this impacted our performance. However, I’ve learned that in England, if the skies are overcast, expect swing. If it’s sunny, swing will be limited. We aim to bowl in the correct areas,” he noted.

“While gripping wasn’t a significant issue, the ball softened, affecting the seam and how much purchase we could get from the pitch,” he stated.

Prasidh concluded by expressing the joy of having fellow Bengaluru players KL Rahul and Karun Nair in the Indian squad. “I’ve known these guys for years and have developed a close friendship with them off the field. It's truly nice to have the Bangalore boys around,” he remarked.