'The ball will swing even without saliva, only that someone needs to maintain it' - Ishant Sharma opens up ahead of WTC final

India is all set to play in the final of the ICC World Test Championship against New Zealand, which starts on June 18. In a recent conversation, Indian pacer Ishant Sharma has discussed the importance of maintaining the Dukes ball.

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According to the experienced pacer, the ball doesn’t need saliva to swing because of the conditions. Ishant, who is now a veteran of 101 Tests, is on his fourth tour to England as a part of the Indian Test squad. Having a great record in the 2018 tour, Sharma explained that it becomes easier for the bowlers to take wickets in these conditions if the ball is maintained.

“I think it is not that difficult. I think the ball will swing even without saliva 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 said on the Star Sports show 'Cricket Connected'.

Sharma further noted that conditions in England are quite different from what players experience in India. The lanky pacer noted that reverse swing is a key aspect of the matches which are played in India, which isn’t the case in England. He stressed getting used to the conditions and adapting to the different situations which have emerged due to COVID.

“It is not easy to force that and the weather here is cooler so it takes time to acclimatize to the weather. And the quarantine makes it difficult because you cannot go to the ground, after the IPL we were not allowed to go to the grounds and train,” Ishant said.