Portsmouth: Indian all-rounder Axar Patel believes that it is difficult to adapt to the longest format by playing in the T20 format but practicing with the red ball during the Indian Premier League (IPL 2023) has helped Australia. The World Test Championship (WTC Final) final against Australia will help in adjusting. Most of the players in the Indian team will enter the WTC final after playing T20 cricket in the IPL for more than two months. Apart from this, where SG balls are used in Test cricket in India, the Dukes ball will be used in the WTC final. India, however, is well prepared for the twin challenges. The Indian team has worked on adapting to the Dukes balls used in England. Akshar told the International Cricket Council (ICC), “We knew about it even before the start of the IPL, so it was discussed during the IPL as well that we will bowl with the red ball.” He said, “We had red balls so we were using them. You know when and how to play, how much time you have. It is obviously difficult to make the mental transition from white ball to red ball but we have got enough time.” Also read The left-arm spinner, however, said that regardless of the ball, the important thing is to focus on bowling with the right line and length. Akshar said, “We are making changes from white ball to red ball. This is similar to changing from SG to Dukes ball. You have to use your talents and skills. You have to execute your plan and find your bowling rhythm. Whatever the ball, if you bowl with the right line and length, it works.” He said, “That is what we are doing. The match is in England, where the conditions are different from India, so we are planning which line and length will work here.” The first batch of Indian players, which included players like Virat Kohli and Akshar, had arrived in London early last week. The team is preparing for the final which will be held at The Oval from June 7-11. Akshar said, “Those who could not qualify (for IPL play offs) got more time. So I don’t think there will be any problem as we have enough time to prepare.” “The difference is the Dukes ball shines longer but during the IPL we had imported the ball so we were practicing with it and got used to it,” he said. The Indian team will have to adapt quickly to the cooler conditions in England after playing the IPL in scorching heat. Akshar said, “We had come after playing IPL where the temperature in India was 40-45 degrees. After that it looks great here. We have taken off our winter clothes and are walking around in jumpers. A little wind is also blowing. We enjoy the weather whenever we come to Britain. It’s a bit cool here, it’s not hot.” Unlike India’s spin-friendly pitches, the conditions in England are more suited to swing bowling. Akshar said, “Obviously, the conditions are different in India and England. Fast bowlers have more role here. Spinners play a more important role in India.” He said, “The conditions are the same for both the teams. In England, the wind helps swing bowling and if you bowl in the right places, you get good bounce.” (agency)
