India last played a Test at Leeds in 2002 when Sourav Ganguly’s men beat Nasser Hussain’s team by an innings and 46 runs.

India and England have played just six Tests at this venue with the hosts winning three, the visitors two, and one ending in a draw. Team India can take heart from the fact that their last two encounters at Leeds ended up in their favour (1986 and 2002). 

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‘All in the mind’

Although the Leeds venue is unknown to this Indian team, vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane is undeterred about the challenges the conditions will throw up. “I don’t see any difficulty playing at Headingley. It’s all in the mind; mentally we are strong. All the players are in good space,” said Rahane during a virtual press conference on Monday.

Rahane stressed on the importance of finding rhythm and right length while playing anywhere in the UK. “When you are playing in the UK, your line and lengths are very important and that’s a challenge as a bowling unit. [In] 2014 when we came here [to the UK], we were a young unit, the guys were still learning. Now, we are experienced. All the bowlers have played all over the world. They know how to bowl in certain situations. We have focused on bowling in the right areas. It’s not challenging when you get into the rhythm. It’s about maintaining it and just being confident about yourself,” he added.  

Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara have been under constant scrutiny for their poor strike rate. In the Lord’s Test, Rahane (61) and Pujara (45) played out 49.3 overs to post a 100-run fourth-wicket partnership in the second innings. 

Unfazed by criticism 

“I am happy that people are talking about me. I have always believed that people talk about important people, so I’m not too concerned about this. It’s all about contributing to the team,” said Rahane, who rated Pujara’s knock as “very important” in India’s 151-run victory.

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