Wasim Akram Offers Valuable Advice to Indian Seamers | IND vs AUS 2023
The stage is set for an exhilarating clash in the World Test Championship 2023, as India and Australia gear up to face each other in the highly anticipated final on June 7. Scheduled to be held at the iconic Oval in London, this will be the second consecutive WTC final to take place in England, following the thrilling encounter between India and New Zealand in 2021.
As the cricketing world awaits this momentous occasion, former Pakistan seamer Wasim Akram has stepped forward to share valuable advice with the Indian bowlers, urging them to remain composed and focused during the crucial moments of the match.
“Don’t Get Carried Away”: Akram’s Words of Wisdom for Indian Seamers:
Recognized as one of the greatest left-arm fast bowlers of all time, Wasim Akram has offered his astute insights to the Indian seamers. Acknowledging their experience, Akram emphasized the importance of not getting carried away with the new ball and advised against leaking unnecessary runs to Australia. The swinging conditions in the first 10 to 15 overs demand a disciplined approach from the fast bowlers, as they need to resist the temptation of being too aggressive early on.
“It swings for 10 to 15 overs, so don’t give away extra runs in the first 10 to 15 overs as a fast bowler. (Early on) don’t get too excited if there is a bit of bounce as that is what the Australians want,” highlighted Wasim Akram, as quoted by the ICC.
Uncertainty Surrounding the Oval Pitch:
Traditionally, the Oval pitch has favored teams from the sub-continent. However, with this being the first Test match to be played at the venue in the month of June, the behavior of the pitch remains unpredictable. Akram acknowledged the unique circumstances and expressed his inability to predict how the pitch would behave.
“This pitch normally favors teams from the sub-continent, but whenever we toured here… it was always at the end of August or start of September. This one is in June, the square is different, fresh square, and the ball is different altogether as a Dukes,” Akram added, hinting at the challenges that lie ahead for both teams.
Akram’s Fond Memories of the Oval:
The Oval holds a special place in Wasim Akram’s heart, as it witnessed some of his finest performances. The legendary bowler registered his career-best figures in England at this historic venue. During the fifth and final Test of the 1992 series, Akram showcased his brilliance by scalping 6/67 in the first innings. His remarkable display of skill and accuracy propelled Pakistan to a series victory, clinching the match by 2-1.
Preparations Underway: Team Combinations and Absent Stars:
As the WTC final draws near, both India and Australia are meticulously preparing for the high-stakes encounter. They are leaving no stone unturned in finalizing the best possible team combinations to maximize their chances of success. India holds the upper hand, having triumphed in the last four Test series against Australia. However, they will be without the services of star players Jasprit Bumrah and Rishabh Pant, which gives Australia a significant advantage.
Conclusion:
With the WTC final on the horizon, Wasim Akram’s advice to the Indian seamers serves as a valuable reminder of the importance of composure and discipline. As the cricketing world eagerly awaits this clash of titans, the Oval’s unpredictable pitch and the absence of key players add an intriguing element to the match. It remains to be seen which team will rise to the occasion and etch their names in cricketing history as the ICC World Test Champions of 2023.
