India spinner Axar Patel revealed that Indian players practised with the red Dukes ball during the Indian Premier League 2023 to gear-up for the World Test Championship Final. Beginning on June 7, India will face Australia in the summit match of the WTC. Patel told the ICC that Indian players had been given a Dukes ball to get used to its feel before the IPL 2023. After two months of demanding franchise cricket, Patel added that it would be difficult for players to go from white-ball to red-ball. Follow World Test Championship Final 2023 Live Updates with InsideSport.IN.
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India now have limited time to shift gears for a format change with the ICC WTC 2023 Final beginning on June 7. IPL frenzy has only just subsided. The Indian team has already landed in England and begun preparing at the picturesque Arundel Cricket Club for the thrilling conclusion.
The WTC Final will use the Dukes ball, which is used in English settings, whereas India plays their red-ball matches at home with the SG ball. Axar claimed that while they were practising with the Dukes ball during the IPL, the main objective was always to hit the target in the right spot.
“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,” Patel told ICC.
“The difference is the Dukes ball remains shinier for longer. But during the IPL, we had ordered the ball, so were practising with it and have gotten used to it,” he said.
The all-rounder has been in excellent form, but it remains to be seen if pace-friendly circumstances can allow him to make the starting lineup. Patel, however, maintained that one only has to use their skills and expertise and was not concerned about the same.
“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.”
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