London ∙ ICC Trophy after 10 years; There is only one goal ahead of the Indian team as they watch the final of the Test Championship to be held at the Oval from June 7 to 11. Team India is gearing up to win the Test Championship title this time which slipped away from them arrived last time.
Immediately after the IPL, the ‘T2020 hangover’ may have affected the Indian players; But many players in the competitive Australian team have already started to warm up. After the IPL, the Indian team has reached London and started training.
∙ Adventure without adventure
KS Bharath and Ishan Kishan have been included as wicketkeepers in the Indian team for the Test Championship final in the absence of Rishabh Pant who is resting after being injured in a car accident. But the question now is why Saha, who performed well in the IPL, was left out.
Thirty-eight-year-old Saha has played 40 Test matches. Scored 1353 runs including 3 centuries at an average of 29.42. On the other hand, Bharath’s performance on the first match in the last Test series in Australia was disappointing. Ishan, on the other hand, is yet to play a Test. In this situation, why Saha, who has a wealth of experience, was not considered, including the question of former cricketers.
Ajinkya Rahane returned to the Test team after his brilliant performance in the IPL. But despite his impressive performances in the tournament, including a half-century in the IPL final, Saha fell short. Saha was dropped from the team after the New Zealand 2021 series with Rishabh Pant becoming the team’s first wicket-keeper.
Similar conditions in India at Oval: Smith
Australian batsman Steve Smith said that the challenges faced in the Test series held in India could also be faced at the Oval ground where the final of the Test Championship is being held. “The pitch at the Oval has similarities with conditions in India, especially in supporting spinners. The oval is a batting friendly pitch. But as the game progresses, the performance of the spinners will be crucial,” said Smith.
Essential Bat Speed: Sunil Gavaskar
Former India all-rounder Sunil Gavaskar said adjusting the pace of the bats will be a challenge for the Indian batsmen who are going to play the Test Championship final straight from Twenty20. In T20Is, the pace of the bats will be higher as they play more aggressively. But in Tests, batting should focus on defence. In English conditions, the ball should only be played after it has come as close to the bat as possible. Only then you can defend including late swing – Gavaskar said.
Teammates of Pujara and Smith!
While their teammates were playing the IPL, India’s Cheteshwar Pujara and Australia’s Steve Smith were busy preparing for their ‘final round’ in the English County Cricket Championship. The duo, who play for the Sussex team in the county, have been in England for two months. Often overlooked in the IPL auctions, Pujara has been playing in the County Championship during the IPL for a few years now. Smith, who has been a constant presence in the IPL, was unexpectedly dropped in the auction this time. With this, Smith also decided to play the county to prepare for the Test Championship final.
English summary : World test championship final update
