England have enlisted an Indian sidearm specialist to help them prepare to face left-arm fast bowling in the World Cup.

But in order to reduce the burden on their main coaches, England will employ Saurabh Ambatkar, who played age-group cricket for Mumbai and Vidarbha, throughout the 2023 ODI World Cup. He linked up with the squad in Guwahati last week and will travel with the touring party throughout the tournament.

And while Mott and his four assistants all throw with their right arm, Ambatkar has the added advantage of throwing with his left, helping to create variety and enable England to prepare to face the significant number of left-arm seamers who they will encounter over the next seven weeks in India.

Ambatkar has been part of the support staff at Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL in recent seasons, as well as for Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in UAE’s ILT20. He has worked alongside England team manager Wayne Bentley, who performs the same role at KKR.

As well as Ambatkar, England have also enlisted a local massage therapist for the World Cup. Mahesh Aarya will join their medical team, supporting Mark Saxby, physio Craig de Weymarn, strength and conditioning coach Andy Mitchell, and team doctor Rob Young.

England are due to make the long journey across India from Guwahati to Ahmedabad on Tuesday afternoon, and will train on Wednesday night before the tournament starts on Thursday.