India vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane is hopeful of a result is possible in the ongoing WTC 2021 Final against New Zealand, despite rain playing spoilsport consistently, resulting in loss of two day’s play and other interruptions at the Ageas Bowl, Southampton.
Rahane, who top-scored for India with 49 runs in the 1st innings, called cricket "a funny game", adding that things can change in a short span in English conditions.
“Still a long way to go in this game, we have seen funny things that can happen in Test cricket. Still six sessions left, we have to give our best. We are bowling now and I think first session will be crucial for us. If we can pick up two crucial wickets. Being in the present, playing session by session, you know in England if you go to far ahead of the game sometimes funny things happen and so it's all about staying in the moment and backing yourselves," Ajinkya Rahane told Star Sports.
Notably, only 141.1 overs of play has been possible in the first 4 days of the historic Test.
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"Ya, I think these types of conditions suit New Zealand well. They have seam bowlers and we have swing bowlers but I think our bowling attack has done really well in all the conditions. I think we have to stick to our strength -- looking fr swing, it's all about finding that right length in England and having patience. Things can change in 7-8 overs in England. It's all bout bowling those maiden over, bowling those dot balls, creating that pressure as a bowling and fielding unit," he added.
Rahane said that he stops thinking about the game after the end of a day's play or a practice session when asked about his cool and calm temperament.
"Generally after the practice session and end of day's play I give myself 10-15 minutes to think about the game, what happened and what can I do better, how can I improve and after that I completely switch off. I read some books, spend time with, family and my daughter is here, so spending time with here," Ajinkya Rahane said.
Day 5 of the Test also saw a delayed start to the Test and if not for any rain and bad light, 91 overs will be played on Tuesday. Wednesday has been kept as a Reserve Day.
(Star Sports inputs)
