India will play the first Test against England from August 4 at Trent Bridge.
Former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar has some tips for the Indian pacers going to play against England in the five-match Test series. He wants the Indian fast bowlers to hit the length hard with a lot of aggression.
India is in a search of their first Test series win in England since 2007 and they have an impressive pace attack to make it happen. However, Akhtar believes England will start with an advantage due to Jofra Archer and James Anderson.
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"The English bowlers have an edge, especially Archer and Anderson. We all know the history between Anderson and Virat Kohli. Of course, they have the upper hand as they are playing in their home conditions."
"The aggression of the fast bowlers is in their length. People think that I was aggressive because of bowling bouncers, but no. I was aggressive because I was constantly hitting the right areas, and with the pace, with the variation in pace. So, whoever goes in from the Indian side(plays in the Test series), just remember to hit the deck with a lot of aggression and a lot of paces. And keep doing this variation throughout, which is the most important thing," he said in an exclusive chat with Sportskeeda.
Akhtar further said that one needs to go through the pain barrier to display their talent. He feels the pacers need to win the mental battle to succeed over the opposition.
"Once you find your aggression in length, then don't let that go. Make sure you have your match on within your brain, not with the batsmen. It is my skill that is going to outsmart you out there. This is the mindset that you should have. It's not about people who are holding the bad days or enemies of yours, no, it is your skill which is your best enemy, who is not letting you or allowing you to display that talent. In order to display that talent, you have to go through the pain barrier." said Akhtar