India should have played inter-squad matches before WTC final: Ramiz Raja

Ramiz Raja. (Photo Source: ARIF ALI/AFP via Getty Images)

The 2023 ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final is underway with the Pat Cummins-led Australia taking on the Rohit Sharma-led side at The Oval in London. After deciding to bowl first, India got off to a good start, taking three wickets in quick succession. However, Travis Head and Steve Smith formed a remarkable partnership as Australia scored 327 runs to steal India’s momentum on the first day.

According to former Pakistan skipper Ramiz Raja, what the teams need to do is difficult to assess in one-off Tests. He opined that a team from subcontinent coming to cold regions must acclimatise in 5-6 days, thus they should have had at least inter-squad matches before such a big clash. He noted that even if India had played three or four one-day matches, they would have been accustomed to the conditions.

“One-off Tests are difficult to assess what you have to do. A team comes from sub-continent conditions to these cold climates, and have to adjust in 5-6 days. That too, without even playing a game. I don’t understand. This is the WTC Final, India should have at least had inter-squad matches before this. Even if you had played 3-4 one-day matches, you get acclimatized to the conditions,” Raja said on his official YouTube channel.

Bowlers need to adjust their lines and lengths while playing in English conditions: Ramiz Raja

Raja went on to say that the pitch conditions in England are much different and that the players need to adjust. He added that bowlers must change their lines and lengths while playing in Englsih conditions. He further added that bowlers must bowl 17 overs in a day after four overs in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

“It’s overcast, the pitch conditions are quite different. You want to have adjustment. Bowlers also need to adjust their lines and lengths here. After four overs in IPL, you have to bowl 17 here in a day. The body needs rest,” the former cricketer added further.