It is very much a modern start to a tour, England's men facing arguably the toughest challenge in world cricket -five Test matches in India shouldering arms to warm-up fixtures in local conditions in favour of an 11-day training camp in Abu Dhabi.
Though not a first - they did the same before last winter's historic 3-0 win in Pakistan, while Australia and India have similarly dropped overseas warm-ups in recent times - it has raised eyebrows given the size of the task ahead. Steve Harmison, a strident pundit for TalkSport, has even said England deserve to lose 5-0 because of it.
But inside the group there is a different view, articulated by Jeetan Patel, assistant coach to Brendon McCullum, before yesterday's departure. Other than time on their feet, he says, players simply do not see warm-ups as beneficial (perhaps understandably so when pitches and opposition are set by the hosts).
Instead, by hiring the Sheikh Zayed Stadium and hunkering down on their own, England feel they have greater control over preparation before switching to the nets in Hyderabad three days before the first Test that starts on 25 January. Players, Patel says, simply want to face or bowl as many balls as possible before the main event.
"Guys want volume, be it batting or bowling; time to work and explore their options," he says.
Denne historien er fra January 12, 2024-utgaven av The Guardian.
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Denne historien er fra January 12, 2024-utgaven av The Guardian.
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