Despite making six changes to their team from Lord’s, the Kiwis have been far too good for Joe Root’s fragile side
India have been playing what they are calling an “intra-squad match simulation” at the Ageas Bowl, the highlight of which appears to be an unbeaten 121 from 94 balls by the ever-electric Rishabh Pant against an attack featuring Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Ishant Sharma and Mohammed Siraj.
Any squad led by Virat Kohli is unlikely to have gone through the motions – you fancy India’s captain would bring his burning intensity to a friendly game of KerPlunk – and they will certainly be more familiar with life in Southampton’s bio-bubble before the World Test Championship final that starts on Friday. India are No 1 for good reason and boast some serious resources at present.
Related: England v New Zealand: second Test, day three – as it happened
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