Team India players practised with the red Dukes ball during the Indian Premier League 2023 season to prepare for the World Test Championship final against Australia. All-rounder Axar Patel revealed that they wanted to get familiarised with the red Dukes ball. The final is all set to take place from June 7 to June 11 at The Oval in London.
Team India cricketer Axar Patel spoke to the International Cricket Council (ICC) ahead of the World Test Championship final. He expressed that the preparations began during the Indian Premier League 2023 season. The left-hander also spoke about how tough it is to transition from white-ball cricket to red-ball cricket, after playing in the Indian Premier League for two months.
“So even during the IPL, it was discussed that we will bowl with the red ball. We had red balls, so we used 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,” said Axar Patel.
“The difference is the Dukes’ ball remains shinier for longer. But during the IPL, we had ordered the ball, so we’re practising with it and have gotten used to it,” he added.
If you bowl a good ball at a good spot, it works, irrespective of the ball: Axar Patel
Team India all-rounder Axar Patel will head into the World Test Championship final on the back of a good Indian Premier League season. However, it is yet to be seen if he gets a place in the Indian playing XI for the final. Axar expressed that he has to utilise his talent and skill effectively in England conditions to succeed. He said,
“As I said, we switch from white ball to red ball. It is a similar switch to go from SG to Dukes, you have the 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.
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