India have done their homework well for the upcoming World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia, which will be played at The Oval next week.
Most of the India players will have to switch from the T20 mode to Test cricket as they were busy playing in the IPL for the last couple of months. Besides that, the Dukes ball will be used for the WTC final while the Indians are more accustomed to playing red-ball cricket with the SG ball.
But left-arm spinner Axar Patel has claimed that the ball will not be an issue for India since they have been practising with the Dukes ball even during the IPL.
“We knew about this before the start of the IPL. So even during the IPL, it was discussed that we will bowl with the red ball,” Axar told the ICC.
“We had red balls, so we were using them. You know when and how to play, how much time you have. This mental switch from white ball to red ball is obviously tough, but we have enough time,” Axar added.
He, however, said that the focus is on hitting the right spot irrespective of the ball used.
“We switch from white ball to red ball. It is a similar switch to go from SG to Dukes, you have to use your talent and skill. You have to execute your plan, your bowling rhythm. Irrespective of the ball, if you bowl a good ball at a good spot, it works.
“So, that’s what we’re doing. Since the match is in England, which is different from India, we are planning what lines and lengths will work here. The same thing in practice, we are good to go.”
The first batch of Indian players, including the likes of Virat Kohli and Axar, landed in London early last week and have been preparing for the final, scheduled to be held at The Oval from June 7 to 11.
“Those who did not qualify (for IPL playoffs) got more time. So I don’t think there will be many problems because we have had a good time to prepare.”
The conditions
The Indian team will also have to quickly adapt to the relatively cooler conditions in England, having played the IPL in the sweltering heat.
“We came after playing IPL, where it was 40-45 degrees in India. After that, it feels great here. We have taken out our winter clothes... It’s also a bit windy. Whenever we come to the UK, we enjoy the weather. It remains a little cool, there is no heat.”
Also, unlike in India, the conditions in England are more suited to swing bowling. “Obviously, the conditions in India and England are different. The fast bowlers have more of a role here,” Axar said. “The conditions are the same for both teams. In England, the wind assists swing bowling and offers good bounce.
“The team is getting together slowly, so the planning will go on. We’ll leave the planning to our bowling coach.”
Written with inputs from PTI
