You need to train differently to adapt to the change in English conditions: Ishant Sharma

Veteran Indian fast bowler Ishant Sharma has stated that the Dukes’ ball will prodigiously swing even without adding salvia in England. Sharma, who has played more than 100 Tests and has tasted success in this part of the world, feels that the bowlers and the fielders will have a task cut out in maintaining the shine on the ball.

Apart from playing Tests in England, Sharma has also played County cricket and he knows how difficult it is for bowlers without maintaining the shine. During India’s memorable win at Lord’s in 2014, Sharma picked up seven wickets in an innings and helped team India to salvage some pride on the tour.

The right-arm pacer’s experience and valuable inputs will surely come in handy as India are set to take on New Zealand in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final on June 18.

While the debate is gaining stem if it’s Sharma or Mohammed Siraj in the final playing XI, the veteran pacer though feels the ball should be kept in good condition irrespective of the situation as that is what helps in picking wickets in the England conditions.

“I think it is not that difficult. I think the ball will swing even without salvia and somebody needs to take responsibility to maintain the ball. And if the ball is maintained well in these conditions, then it becomes easier for the bowlers to take wickets in these conditions,” Ishant told on Star Sports show ‘Cricket Connected’.

Ishant Sharma about how the pace bowlers need to adjust to English conditions

The 32-year old further explained how to tackle these conditions and what lengths to ball on these wickets, which are conducive for fast bowling. Sharma stressed the point of training too, which he feels is slightly different, and mentioned getting quickly adjusted to the conditions.

“You need to train differently and adapt to the change. In India, you get the reverse swing after some time, but in England, the length is fuller because of the swing. So, you have to adjust to the lengths. It is not easy to force that and the weather here is cooler so it takes time to acclimatize to the weather.”