WTC Final 2023: Don’t Get Carried Away With New Ball – Wasim Akram’s Message To Team India Pacers

The world No. 1 side India will take on the second-placed Australia in the final of the WTC at The Oval in London from Wednesday (June 7), as the 2021-2023 cycle of the competition comes to an end with the summit clash.

The Indian fast bowling attack is expected to be spearheaded by Mohammad Shami and will also feature Mohammed Siraj, who has been bowling in good rhythm. Akram hopes the experienced pacers will be wise with their tactics on the field.

“These guys are experienced, and they shouldn’t get carried away (with the new ball). We all know 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,” Akram was quoted as saying by the ICC.

“(Early on) don’t get too excited if there is a bit of bounce as that is what the Australians want,” he added suggesting the pace bowling attack needs to be wary of Australia’s ability to play on wickets offering good bounce.

India vs Australia, WTC Final 2023: The Oval London Pitch Report and Weather Forecast

Neither side has played Test cricket in the past few months as most of the players were busy in the IPL, and the change in format will be swift, along with the change from white Kookaburra ball to the red Dukes.

Plus, this is also the first time in 140 years history that The Oval, which usually hosts a Test late in the English summer either in the end of August or early September, will hold a match as early as the start of June.

While Akram said the wickets at The Oval has favoured the sub-continent sides over the years, the Pakistan legend feels the match hosted in June and Dukes ball could be a little tricky on the fresh surface.

“This pitch normally favours 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,” said Akram.

(With PTI inputs)