Eng batsmen practice reverse sweep to tackle Indian spinners

Kolkata, January 14: In their bid to tackle the famed Indian slow blowers effectively in Saturday's inaugural one dayer, front-ranking England batsmen spent considerable time fine tuning reverse sweeps at their first morning net session today.

Skipper Nasser Hussain and aggressive left hander Nick Knight were among those who rehearsed the shot, with the latter doing long shadow practice under the tutelage of coach Duncan Fletcher and his deputy Tim Boon at the Cricket and Football Club grounds.

The English team also worked with an out-of-shape ball, apparently to gear up to facing any uneven bounce in the Eden Gardens wicket in the opening one-day contest.

Despite their Media Manager Andrew Walpole again complaining to reporters about the 'poor practice track' which could "cause danger to the batsmen against quicker deliveries", speedsters Matthew Hoggard, Andy Caddick and Darren Gough were seen bowling full blast to the batsmen during the three-hour practice.

Running between the wickets, catching skiers and blinders were the other areas of emphasis.

The visitors, who have repeatedly demanded that they be allowed to tune up at the Eden Gardens, would have their maiden practice session at the historic stadium tomorrow afternoon.

Walpole said all members of the side were fit and raring to go. In a refreshing departure from the high voltage complaints made by the visitors, Walpole praised the hospitality here and also expressed satisfaction with the food and other services given to them in the hotel.

"The hospitality is excellent. We are really enjoying the food, particularly the Indian cuisine," he said.

He said the England team was focussed and had no plans to go on local outings.

However, the side would attend a formal party at the British Deputy High Commission tonight, he said.