The port at Southampton has a rich cricketing history. It was here in the days of sea travel that visiting cricket teams would embark on English soil. Near the docks, at the Indian team hotel, it's like the tour is just starting for the visitors. The players looked relaxed as they boarded the team bus for their first hit at the Ages Bowl stadium on the outskirts of Southampton.

There is already a significant change in the players' techniques in the nets. Ajinkya Rahane, KL Rahul, and Hardik Pandya, who had spent the initial part of the tour batting a foot outside the crease, trying to tackle the swing and the seam, are now deep in the crease and letting the ball come to them.