NEW DELHI: England fast bowler Mark Wood has highlighted the strategy of using short-pitched deliveries to curb the impact of Rohit Sharma as a key part of England's plans for the upcoming five-match Test series against India.
Wood mentioned that while bouncers are rarely used in Indian conditions, the slow nature of the pitches could assist this strategy.
"The pitch sometimes can be two-paced and, if it is slow, it can help (bowlers) because the batters will be through with the shot. Someone like Rohit, I know how good he is on the short ball. That doesn't necessarily mean that I wouldn't bowl a bouncer. It just means that I'll have to be really accurate with it and bowl at the right time," Wood explained.
Under captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum, England have adopted an aggressive style of play but are also willing to adapt to the conditions. Wood emphasized capitalizing on opportunities to put pressure on the home side.
"I think we'll still look to take the game on. I think at times it's been smart, though, you know, to consolidate it in and then when the chance comes to put the pressure back on (India)," Wood stated.
Handling pressure will be crucial for England in their quest to create history in India, a feat they achieved against Pakistan in late 2022. Wood acknowledged the challenges of playing in India but sees it as an opportunity to do something historic.
1/10:England's 'Bazball' faces biggest challenge against India
Reuters
2/10:England vs India: Clash of Titans
England's "Bazball" style of attacking cricket faces its biggest challenge yet when they play an India side who have not lost a home Test series in more than a decade.Getty Images
3/10:England's last victory in India
Alastair Cook's team was the last to beat India on home turf in a four-match series.Getty Images
4/10:Spin: England's key to success
Monty Panesar, who was part of that team, said the tourists had nothing to fear in a series where spin is expected to play a huge part.TOI Sports
5/10:Stokes: The captain's challenge
Ben Stokes faces his biggest challenge in making Bazball successful on turning pitches.Getty Images
6/10:England's preparation in Abu Dhabi
England prepared in Abu Dhabi instead of playing a tour match in India, which drew criticism in some quarters at home and raised fears England could be "undercooked".Getty Images
7/10:The task facing England
England's task in India is immense, but a victory could make Stokes one of the greatest captains ever.Getty Images
8/10:England under McCullum
Brendon McCullum has helped transform England's red-ball fortunes with an attacking brand of cricket.Getty Images
9/10:Anderson's superhuman feat
41-year-old James Anderson's remarkable career continues as he leads England's bowling attack in India.Getty Images
10/10:Leach: England's frontline spinner
Jack Leach will play a crucial role as England's frontline spinner in the Test series against India.Getty Images"We know the challenges here. They (India) very rarely lose at home. I think it's almost like a bit of a free hit for us where we can come in and try something different. We created history in Pakistan recently, becoming the first team to win every match. So, this is another chance to do something historic and try and beat India in their own conditions," he added.
Wood dismissed concerns about England being under-prepared, mentioning their camp in Abu Dhabi, where they focused on various aspects of the game and had a team bonding session to arrive in India mentally and physically ready for the series.
(With inputs from PTI)
