File photo: Virat Kohli (PTI photo)

TimesofIndia.com in Birmingham: Virat Kohli Spent nearly 30 minutes in a one-on-one animated discussion with the ODI captain Shubman Gill India began preparations for the three-match series against England with their first training session at Edgbaston on Saturday.The lengthy conversation appeared to revolve around batting plans for the series, with Kohli offering inputs on shot selection, strategy and how to deal with England’s bowling attack in the three matches starting on July 14. The senior batsman was seen demonstrating different strokes and discussing possible scoring options with Gill, before the pair departed after a two-hour session which included fielding practice and batting in the nets.With the rest of the Indian squad in Southampton for the fifth and final T20 match against England – a match which India ultimately lost by 56 runs and a disappointing 0–4 defeat in the series – only seven members of the ODI squad trained in Birmingham.Kohli, Gill, Rohit Sharma And KL Rahul were the batsmen involved in the session, while Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav and Gurnoor Brar led the bowling group. India also utilized the services of local net bowlers, including two spinners and a fast bowler, to replicate various match scenarios.Kohli and Rohit looked particularly fluent during their time at the nets. Kohli, in particular, displayed a range of strokes, confidently driving down the ground, executing paddle sweeps and playing his trademark flicks down the leg side well. Bumrah and Brar consistently tested the batsmen by hitting the deck hard and gaining bounce, ensuring an intense opening session.Kuldeep also had a long spell, while the local spinners provided additional variety to the batsmen in preparation for English conditions.India’s support staff, including fielding coach T Dilip, spin-bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule and throwdown specialist Dayasagar, oversaw the training session as the visitors began fine-tuning their preparations.The ODI series now gives India a chance to recover after a disappointing performance in the shortest format. After a 0-2 defeat in the T20 series in Ireland, the team reached England and lost badly 0-4.India will begin the ODI series at Edgbaston on July 14 before traveling to Sophia Gardens in Cardiff for the second match on July 16. The series will conclude at Lord’s on July 19.