N ANANTHANARAYANAN

NOTTINGHAM : India coach Ravi Shastri demanded the batsmen show mental discipline to stand up to England’s swing bowling that has left the visitors 0-2 down in the Test series.

Shastri, who had a long chat with the players before the start of the training session on Thursday, defended the batsmen on being asked to explain why Ajinkya Rahane, regarded as vital in overseas conditions, was struggling. “I don’t think it’s fair to single out any player. Batsmen from both teams have struggled,” he said.

“When the occasion demands, it’s a case of mental resolve, how you put mind over matter. Mental discipline will be the key as far as batsmen are concerned in this Test. He (Rahane) is one of our pillars and will remain so.

“Conditions have been tough as you have seen right through this series. But that’s where character comes into play, discipline comes into play, the resolve to know where your off stump is, leave a lot of balls, be prepared to look ugly and dirty and show some grit.”

However, India batsmen have fared much below par. Only skipper Virat Kohli had a fifty-plus score in the first Test at Edgbaston. England, besides tormenting India with swing bowling, have had contributions from skipper Joe Root (80), Jonny Bairstow (70, 93), Sam Curran (63) and Chris Woakes (137 no) with the bat.

STOKES IS BACK

India will have a fresh headache as all-rounder Ben Stokes, acquitted of affray charges by a Bristol court on Tuesday, is back in the England squad. There is furious debate whether England should welcome Stokes back this