Indian all-rounder Axar Patel spoke about his team’s preparation for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia. He admitted that changing from cue ball to red ball is difficult, but they have enough time to get used to it.
He Indian Premier League (IPL) fever is over and the focus shifts entirely to the all-important ICC World Test Championship Final. India will take on Australia in the summit clash from June 7-11 at The Oval, England. The team led by Rohit Sharma has been on the hunt for the ICC Trophy since 2013 and it will be another great opportunity for them to claim the title.
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The Indian team is currently hard at work at Arundel Castle Cricket Club in Sussex. The substantial change from cue ball to red ball will be a challenge for them, but they have plenty of days to get used to the conditions and make changes to their game. But taking into account the quality of the team, 6 days will be enough for them to get into rhythm.
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Axar Patel, who played a crucial role in getting India to the final, said that they practiced with red balls during the IPL and they have enough time to be fully ready for the game. Speaking to the ICC, Axar Patel said:
“We knew about this before the start of IPL. So even during the IPL it was discussed that we would bowl with the red ball. We had red balls, so we were using them. You know when and how to play, how much time you have. This mental shift from cue to red ball is obviously difficult, but we have plenty of time.”
“Those who did not qualify [for IPL Playoffs] I have more time So I don’t think there will be many problems because we have had a good time to prepare. The difference is that the Dukes ball stays brighter longer. But during the IPL, we had asked for the ball, so we were practicing with it and we got used to it.”
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Axar Patel further said that although switching from SG ball to Dukes is difficult, they need to execute their plans and good deliveries will always work regardless of the ball. Axar Patel added that they are mainly working on their lines and lengths.
“As I said, we changed from cue ball to red ball. It’s a similar change to go from SG to Dukes, you have to use your talent and skill. You have to execute your plan, your bowling rhythm. Regardless of the ball, if you throw a good ball in a good spot, it works.” Axar Patel said.
“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. Same thing in practice, we’re ready to go.”
Axar Patel played a vital role for India in this edition of the World Test Championship. But with the final scheduled for England, where the closers are more at stake, it is unlikely that he will play.
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