During India's practice session, head coach Ravi Shastri was heard telling each batsman, 'ruk ke khelna' [wait for it and then play]. Virat Kohli had alluded after the first Test that it was the lack of pace off the pitch that caused concern for his batsmen.

The surface at the Hagley Oval here for the second Test that begins on Saturday is expected to be similar to the Basin Reserve, meaning the Indian top-order will have to master the art of letting the ball come to them.