Axar Patel provides insight on what India’s plans are with Dukes ball ahead of WTC final
All focus will be on the World Test Championship final in England. The marquee clash will be held between India and Australia. The Oval will be the venue. The conditions could involve the spinners so India could be in with a chance against Australia. The Indian players would be in more of a T20 mindset because the Indian Premier League ended on the 29th of May. The biggest task for the Indian team will be to switch from T20 to Test cricket over 5 days.
Team India has been practising hard with the dukes ball even as the IPL was conducted. The big reason is that the duke’s ball will be used in England. In India, the primary ball which is used is the SG ball. The Oval will be a neutral venue for Australia and England. On another note, Axar Patel admitted the transition from the white ball to the red ball will be tough, but they are confident in executing their plans.
We are planning the lengths and lines that work here – Axar Patel
“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. 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 Patel told the Cricket Governing Body.
“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,” he added.
India lost the first Test Championship final against New Zealand in 2o21. With Rohit Sharma having taken over the reins at present, The big final will be a stern test for the Indian captain who will want to win a trophy and ellipse India’s 9-year World event trophy drought.
