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regular-article-logo Thursday, 25 April 2024

Do not fall in bounce trap: Kapil Dev

The legend also believes that the Australia pacers have the edge in the Test series as they have better knowledge of the home conditions

Sayak Banerjee Calcutta Published 16.12.20, 01:28 AM
Kapil Dev

Kapil Dev File picture

Kapil Dev has an advice or two for Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami before they take on Australia in the four-match Test series.

The former India captain and champion pacer has asked the Indian speedsters not to be tempted by the extra bounce on the Australian tracks and to instead focus on pace and swing.

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The legend also believes that the Australia pacers have the edge in the Test series as they have better knowledge of the home conditions.

“I think Aussie pacers are on a par or maybe they have a little bit of an edge over our quicks, who are not so used to bowling on Australian pitches. What happens is sometimes our bowlers get carried away when they see a little bit of extra bounce, and then they start bowling short.

“What’s important for them is to understand their strengths. If they do understand their strengths, which is pace and swing, they should concentrate on that and maintain that.

“Overall, as a bowling unit, we might be better at this stage, but what counts at present is that the Aussie quicks know the conditions better than our fast bowlers,” Kapil said during an online interactive session organised by the Indian Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday.

Since they know the conditions better and also have won all the Day-Night pink-ball Tests they have played so far, Kapil feels Australia are better placed than India going into the first game at Adelaide Oval, beginning on Thursday.

“Definitely, Australia have the edge. They are playing in their backyard. Australia have played so many of these Test matches at home. So obviously, they understand the conditions better, especially under lights,” Kapil pointed out.

Kapil refused to be drawn into the debate on who between Wriddhiman Saha and Rishabh Pant should be in India’s playing XI for the opening Test. “It doesn’t matter who keeps wickets. The team should pick the best combination depending on the situation and conditions. If any third person keeps and India still win the Test, I’m okay with that too.”

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