With the upcoming three-match Test series against South Africa drawing closer, Team India is stepping up its training. In a tweet shared by BCCI, members of the team were seen practising in a match simulation ahead of the opening Test.

The session, which took place at the SuperSport Park in Centurion, South Africa, was described as being “really important” to India’s preparation by head coach Rahul Dravid, who can be seen demanding “quality practice and good intensity” in the video.

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Divulging some details of the session, batting coach Vikram Rathour said, “Today was a centre wicket practice session. It was a fresh wicket with overcast conditions, pretty challenging for the batters. So extremely happy with the way they went about it today.”

In the extended video on the BCCI website, fast bowler Ishant Sharma corroborated Rathour’s comments, saying, “I think Jassi and Shami bowled pretty well. They [the batsmen] played pretty well. They know what kind of bowlers they will face and how the conditions will be.”

Virat Kohli, who had recently been in the news due to his public spat with BCCI President Sourav Ganguly, also seemed to be enjoying himself, which will be a relief to fans as his performances and leadership will be crucial in the matches to come.

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India will be looking to sharpen up as the Virat Kohli-led unit looks to win its first Test series in South Africa, a feat that has eluded India for 29 years. The series is set to commence on December 26 at the SuperSport Park in Centurion, where the first Test will be played. It will be followed by the second Test at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg from January 3 to 7, and the series will conclude with the third Test at the Newlands Cricket Ground in Cape Town from January 11 to 15.