Axar Patel’s batting has been India’s largest acquire within the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and the Gujarat all-rounder had a couple of thumb guidelines which ensured that he ended as India’s second highest run-getter within the four-match Test collection in opposition to Australia. Axar scored 264 runs with three fifty-plus knocks — 84 in Nagpur, 74 in Delhi and 79 within the ongoing match. Even if the Motera observe is taken into account placid, the 22-yard strips at Jamtha and Kotla did pose their very own units of challenges and the southpaw was up for it.
“When we started with the camp in Nagpur, we knew we will be playing on turning tracks. I didn’t prepare or plan much but did my own study for playing on spinning tracks,” Axar advised mediapersons after the tip of the fourth day’s play within the fourth and last Test. (Follow LIVE IND vs AUS 4th Test rating and updates)
So, what was the essential plan that he adopted?
“I just prepared myself to stand on the leg-stump to keep a check on the possible leg-before and stumping, since these are the two modes of dismissals that can happen on turning tracks. I also planned to not step out much against off-spinners. I was getting myself ready for these things before the series started,” Axar mentioned about his plans.
84 in Nagpur.
74 in Delhi.
79 in AhmedabadAxar Patel has been the sport changer for India with bat in BGT 2023. pic.twitter.com/j2szRgpmDB
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) March 12, 2023
The straightforward going all-rounder laughed when requested if he regretted lacking out on three attainable centuries. (IND vs AUS: Steve Smith Wins Heart On Social Media, Congratulates Virat Kohli After Epic Knock – See Pic)
“You have rubbed salt to wounds (laughs). The way I was batting… And I know the chances I have missed don’t come often. Bade run karne the (had to score big). The positive thing is that I batted the way I wanted to and we had a good partnership (with Virat Kohli) when the team needed it. I am thinking about what you said (smiles again) but not thinking too much about it right now. I might feel (bad) about it more when I get back to the room.”
The subsequent attainable Test match may very well be World Test Championship last in opposition to Australia on the Oval in London and India may simply go in with a single spinner and that might be Ravindra Jadeja.
“What you are saying about me getting the place in XI (for WTC final), it’s not in my hands and I can’t do anything about it. I am performing in the chances I am getting and focus on what’s in my hands. Coach and captain decide the XI and my job is to perform consistently and earn that place in the XI.”
No particular message from dressing room
Axar mentioned that there wasn’t any particular message from the dressing room and the one technique was to play positively.
“When I used to be batting with Virat bhai, there wasn’t any particular message from the workforce. Virat bhai advised me to proceed enjoying positively, like I do. Once we acquired set, bowlers weren’t getting a lot help off the pitch too. Once I acquired set, I used to be connecting deliveries which have been in my radar.
“Virat bhai was also saying that 50 is now done and I can think big since 22 overs were left in day’s play. There was no message around declaration or playing fast. The way pitch was and he was batting on 150 and I was over 50, so runs were coming in the flow.”
“You people only wanted five-day Tests”
The first three Tests completed properly inside three days and a query popped up if he’s stunned that the match went into fifth day.
“After first three matches, everyone said game ended in three days. Now match is going to fifth day, and you are saying it’s a surprise. It’s not in our hands,” Axar mentioned.
“We thought we will get purchase from the wicket but we didn’t. We have to play according to the wicket. We were a little surprised that only first innings ended in the first four days. We can’t do much and can hope that we come tomorrow and win,” he concluded.
