ENG vs IND 2018: Ajinkya Rahane Remains Upbeat for England Tests

India’s Test deputy, Ajinkya Rahane is preparing hard for arduous England’s tour. Rahane is practising with the Tennis balls to get acclimatised to the English conditions.

In fact, Rahane did not get included in the limited-overs side given his low strike-rate. However, the right-hander is unperturbed and doesn’t want to lose his focus regarding things which are not under his control.

Thus, the stylish batsman wants to focus his energy on his preparation for the Test series. Meanwhile, Ajinkya Rahane is a crucial cog in the Indian Test team wheel. The Test vice-captain had scored a fine century in the previous Englan tour at Lord’s. Rahane’s 103 was instrumental in the famous Lord’s triumph.

Rahane will look to deliver the goods in the red ball format.

“I have been practicing with Praveen Amre sir and took the help of bowling machines. I have done some practice with the tennis balls as well as with half tennis and half rubber balls, which help in tackling swinging deliveries — both incoming and outgoing,” Rahane told Cricketnext.

Rahane added his preparation would help him tackle conditions better in England. Thus, Rahane is hopeful of a good show in the English conditions.

“The conditions there help the ball move a bit — depending upon the weather. If it is cloudy, the ball moves a bit and if it’s sunny then the wickets are pretty good to bat on. I want to cover each and every aspect of batting so that I am able to tackle any type of condition which we will be facing in England and do well there,” he added.

India’s one of most reliant Test batsmen in the foreign conditions added his ouster from the white ball format is not affecting him. In fact, Rahane is confident of his abilities with the bat.

“I don’t think that this (being left out of the ODI and T20I squads) is affecting me. The important thing is to believe in your abilities. I am aware of my capabilities and how good I am. It is all about believing in yourselves, rather than thinking about things that are not in your control,” Rahane said.

Rahane added it is crucial to keep enjoying oneself in all the three formats of the game. The right-hander believes he has done well in the shorter format and he will come good.

Rahane will play for India A.

“It is part and parcel of a professional cricketer’s life. I know I can make a comeback and I have really done well in the shorter formats in the past. I think, right now, the important thing is to practice hard and go out there and enjoy myself. For me, it is important to serve my country, be it any format. It is important to contribute to my team’s cause and do well for my country.”

Furthermore, Rahane confirmed he would be playing a match for India A to get acclimatized to the English conditions. Rahane will also be part of a practice match from July 25.

“Most of the guys are already there and I think getting used to the conditions there is very important. I am also playing an India ‘A’ game there and after that, we will play a practice match on 25th,” Rahane said.