Ahead of the Lord’s Test between India and England, an intriguing story has emerged. Delhi-born left-arm spinner Abhay Tipnis has joined the England team as a net bowler, helping them prepare by emulating the bowling style of India’s star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja.

Abhay shared in an exclusive interview with RevSportz that England specifically called him to replicate Jadeja’s unique bowling. “I was asked to bowl at the same speed as Ravindra Jadeja,” said Tipnis. “Jadeja bowls consistently fast but with occasional sharp turn. England’s batsmen, including Joe Root, wanted me to mimic that.” He added that Ben Stokes advised him to bowl over the wicket and target the rough patches on the pitch.

Though Tipnis admits he couldn’t trouble Stokes as much as Jadeja does, he praised Jadeja’s effectiveness against the England star, highlighting the respect Jadeja commands. Interestingly, Abhay Tipnis is close friends with Indian opener Abhishek Sharma and has trained under former Indian great Yuvraj Singh.

Despite Jadeja not being the primary threat in recent matches, England’s intense focus on preparing against him signals the respect and caution his bowling demands. With India’s pace attack led by Akash Deep, Mohammad Siraj, and the returning Jasprit Bumrah, and a pitch expected to favor fast bowlers with some assistance for spinners in later days, England is leaving no stone unturned in their preparations.