Started practicing with Duke in IPL itself: Akshar

Ports Mouth: Indian all-rounder Akshar Patel has revealed that Indian bowlers started practicing with the Dukes ball during the IPL itself, keeping in mind the World Test Championship (WTC) final. Most of the Indian players are coming after playing IPL to face Australia in the title match from June 7. India also faced Australia in a four-match Test series prior to the IPL, although the SG ball was used there while the Dukes ball will be used in the WTC final.

Akshar said in a video released by the ICC, “We knew about it (use of the Duke ball) from the beginning of the IPL. That’s why it was discussed during IPL also that we will practice with red ball. We had red balls so we were using them. You know when and how to play, how much time you have. It is not easy to move from white ball to red ball but we have enough time. “He said,” We move from white ball to red ball. Replacing sg with deux is the same way.

You have to use your talents and skills. There is a need to find rhythm in bowling while executing your plans. Whatever the ball, if you bowl well, you will get success. Since the match is in England, we are planning our line-length. The main difference between Dukes and SG ball is that the ball used in England stays shiny for a long time. Apart from the ball, the Indian players will also have to get used to the weather in England, which is much cooler than in India.
Akshar said, “The players who could not make it to the (IPL playoffs) got more time to practice. I don’t think there will be much trouble (in the final) as we have got enough time to practice. The difference is that Duke’s ball stays shiny for a long time, but during IPL we practiced by getting this ball, so now we are used to it. “He said,” We came here after playing IPL. India has 40-45 degree heat. Looks great here compared to that. We have taken out our winter clothes. The wind is also a bit strong here. Whenever we come to UK (United Kingdom) we enjoy the weather here. Obviously, the circumstances here are different from India.

Here the role of fast bowlers is more, while spinners play an important role in India. Almost all the players of the Indian team have started practicing after reaching England. Akshar believes that the conditions at The Oval ground in London will present equal challenges for both the teams and the Indian team is preparing thoroughly for it. Akshar said, “The conditions are the same for both the teams. In England, the wind helps swing bowling and if you pitch in the right places, you get bounce. The team is slowly getting ready, so plans will continue to be made. We will leave that work to our bowling coach.