Switching from playing T20s to the longest format of the game is difficult but practising with the red ball through the IPL will help in the tough transition at the World Test Championship final against Australia, feels India all-rounder Axar Patel. (More Cricket News)
Most members of the Indian team head to the marquee event after playing T20 cricket in the IPL for over two mon💎ths.
Additionally, wꦍhile the SG balls are used to play the red-ball format in India, the Dukes ball will be used for the WTC final.
However, India are wel🗹l prepared for the twin challenges. To familiarise themselves with the Dukes ball, which is used in English conditions, the 'Men in Blue' have been working with it.
"We knew about this b🦂efore the start of the IPL. So even 🌞during the IPL, it was discussed that we will bowl with the red ball," Axar told ICC.
"⛎;We had red balls, so we were using them. You know whꦓen 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.
The left-arm spinner, 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 eꦫxecute 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 wꦦhat 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 a🔥nd have been prep🎉aring for the final, scheduled to be held at The Oval from June 7 to 11.
"Those who did not quaཧlify (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 difference is the Dukes ball remains shinier for longer. But during the 𒁃IPL, we had ordered thﷺe ball, so were practising with it and have gotten used to it," Axar said.
The Indian team will also have to quickly adapt to the relatively cooler conditions in England, having played🐎 the IPL in 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 and are roaming around wearing jumpers. It's also a bit windy. Whenever we come to the UK, we enjoy the weather. It remains a litꦏtle cool, there is no heat."
In stark contraܫst to India's spin-friendly pitches, 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. In India, spinners play a more important role," Axar said.
"Th𒅌e conditions are the same for both teams. In England, the w😼ind assists swing bowling and offers good bounce if you bowl at the right spots.
"The team is getting togetherꦆ slowly, so the planning will go on. We'll leave the planning to our bowl꧃ing coach."
