Modern-day cricket is all about innovation and trying to better your opponents -- whether it is a match or in training.

And it was no surprise to see few of the England [Images] team players indulge in boxing-style training during their nets session on Tuesday.

Monty Panesar [Images] clearly seemed to relish his time with boxing gloves on as he tried to pack a few hard punches.

The England left-arm spinner, the first Sikh to play for England, is certainly the cynosure of all eyes. But he will need to pack a few punches on the field too, against a strong Indian batting line-up in the three-Test, starting at Lord's on Thursday.

Photographs: Harish Kotian

• India in the United Kingdom 2007