IND vs ENG: Shubman Gill-Led India Sweat It Out In Training Ahead of England Test Series- WATCH Viral Video

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IND vs ENG: As the countdown to the much-anticipated five-match Test series between India and England begins, the Indian cricket team has hit the ground running - quite literally.

On Saturday, June 7, the team assembled for its first training session at the iconic Lord's Cricket Ground in London, marking the start of its preparations for the high-stakes series.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) offered fans a sneak peek into the early grind, releasing a short highlight reel on Sunday morning. Captioned as the "first sight" of India's red-ball outfit getting into rhythm, the video showcased everything from scenic shots of London to intense training drills under the English skies.

From Indoors to Outfield: A Full Training Routine

The clip begins inside the indoor facilities of Lord's, where the squad eased into training with stretching routines and a quick game of warm-up football - a familiar routine for most Indian teams. Shortly after, the players moved outdoors, engaging in fielding drills, running exercises, and throwing practice, all aimed at getting their reflexes sharp and legs ready for the long grind of five-day cricket.

Spotlight on the Duke's Ball

One of the most intriguing moments from the session was a close examination of the Duke's ball by head coach Gautam Gambhir, all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, and other support staff members. This red ball, used exclusively in English Test matches, is significantly different from the SG balls employed in India or the Kookabura balls used in countries like Australia and South Africa.

Known for its pronounced seam, thick lacquer coating, and longevity of swing, the Duke's ball remains a decisive factor in English conditions - especially for seamers. Unlike the Kookabura, which typically stops swinging after 15-20 overs, the Duke's can continue to challenge batters till the 30th over or more. Gambhir and the team's close attention to its characteristics could be key in strategizing for both batting and bowling success.

Tactical Test for Gautam Gambhir

This series also marks a significant challenge for newly appointed head coach Gautam Gambhir, who is taking charge of the red-ball side amid high expectations. While he enjoyed success in white-ball formats, especially in the IPL, his Test leadership will now come under scrutiny following previous Test setbacks against New Zealand at home and Australia away.

How Gambhir navigates the tactical nuances of a long overseas series, especially in traditional swing-friendly English conditions, could shape India's Test future under his regime.

India Squad: Shubman Gill (C), Rishabh Pant (VC, WK), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Karun Nair, Nitish Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel, Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav.