TimesofIndia.com in Mumbai: Temperatures reached disturbing levels on Wednesday, with weather forecast apps flashing warnings of “risk of dehydration and heat stroke if left outside for long periods of time.” There was an occasional breeze, but not strong enough to make the afternoon enjoyable. The pitch was baking in the hot sun for much of the day as ground staff gently rolled the pitch in preparation for the semi-final between India and England.From a distance it seems to have a nice green tint to it, but this is typically misleading subcontinental green. Its only purpose is to bind the surface together and prevent it from deteriorating and drying out more than normal. When both teams train in the lead-up to the game, the middle ground is naturally the center of attention, with both camps humming a similar tune as they hope it will provide enough runs. While India was training two days before the match, the outfield started to show some signs of exposure, but it was not a cause for concern. However, sudden shifts in weather patterns can be a topic for another day.
indian bowling coach Morne Morkel Dives into this topic, explaining in detail why extra bounce on the field is a double-edged sword. Morkel, who plays and attends many cricket matches at the Wankhede, asserts that margins are smaller here than at most venues because “the ball moves”.“Look, I think dew is always a big issue. But again it’s something you can’t control, and that’s the toss. I think here at the Wankhede there’s always extra bounce. People can trust the bounce and hit the line. But having said that, as a bowler, that also gets you into the game. I just feel, or feel, that the margins are a lot smaller here and the ball is moving. It’s a pretty small ground. So, yeah, you just have to really strive for that, stay in the moment, compete for every pitch, because, like I said, a batsman’s strength can also be his weakness in that area. So sometimes don’t be too defensive and keep attacking because the opportunities will come,” Morkel said at the pre-match press conference.The last time India played England at this venue, they won by 150 runs. In that match, Abhishek Sharma scored 54-ball 135, including 13 sixes and 7 boundaries, and the opener then took two wickets to seal the victory. However, the stakes are different this time as it is not an inconsequential bilateral match but the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup.Harry Brooke’s England reached the semi-finals under different conditions and Morkel is wary of the challenge they pose. The former South African cricketer feels that the team that can keep their composure, understand the situation well and be the fastest is likely to be the one that flies to Ahmedabad.“Against England, they are a street-smart team. Obviously, they have a lot of quality in the side and bat the ball long and deep, which makes them a very dangerous team. And then in terms of possession, they also have options to take wickets. I think the way they approach T20 games, being fearless and trying to win games, gives you opportunities and makes them a dangerous team. So I think tomorrow will be a great penalty shootout between two aggressive teams. I think the side that can stay calm, adapt to the conditions, understand some of the conditions well and be the quickest will come out on top,” Morkel added.Neither team has had a perfect game so far in the tournament. The two-time champions will collide in front of a sold-out crowd, and the outcome will be determined by who can emerge victorious from the challenge. India had its moments too, sealing important junctures of the match and winning all their matches except against South Africa.The humiliating defeat at Ahmedabad left them in dire straits and nearly eliminated them from the rest of the tournament, and Suryakumar Yadav and his teammates responded well to the challenge they were given. There were signs of the batsmen getting their act together against Zimbabwe in Chennai, but there were some issues before Sanju Samson broke down against West Indies in Ahmedabad in what was a brilliant performance.However, the focus was not on the batsmen but on India’s x-factor Varun Chakravarthy, who single-handedly destroyed England in the five-match T20I series. Varun returned with 14 wickets and England’s batsmen remained clueless about the mysterious spinner. Varun started the game strong but seemed to lose his rhythm in the Super 8 stage. The habit of picking up wickets in every match has continued, but the penetration has not been the same, especially since he received a hammering from South Africa in Ahmedabad.The day before the match, he resumed his habit of bowling at one stump, with the entire support staff gathering around him as the spinners completed their drills. The coaching staff had normal conversations with Varun and made sure he left feeling good about his bowling. He’s an important player who could be the difference between the two teams in Thursday’s high-pressure game.
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What factors do you think will play the most important role in the semi-final match between India and England in the T20 World Cup?
“I keep telling him that with Varun’s skills and variety in our bowling line-up, he has the ability to take a wicket on almost every ball. So if he pushes the boundaries, he’s not executing as well as he could. For him, it’s just about moving on to the next pitch and making sure he’s committed to the next pitch. I think he’s a very technical guy who’s very difficult to pick once you get to the crease. So for him, it’s just about having confidence with the ball, getting his speed, length and control right and not overthinking it. I think at times, Wallen, to his credit, wants to be a great performer for the team, so he puts a little bit of pressure on himself. But yeah, he’s a game-winner for us and for him to just stay and take every pitch and make sure it’s his best pitch,” Morkel said.India have managed to handle the pressure successfully in their last two must-win games. They have to hold on for two more games if they want to become the only team in the world to win and defend the T20 World Cup at home. Wankhede’s penalty shootout was the first challenge.
