Ramiz Raja Cautions Indian Openers Of Early Swing In England But Lauds Rohit Sharma

"Both Rohit and Shubman Gill have not opened in England ever. They know the challenge: the Dukes Ball swings early. They have to get used to the conditions quickly. In England, it's important to take it one session at a time," said Ramiz Raja.

(File Photo/ Getty Images)

Karachi: Pakistan batsman turned commentator Ramiz Raja has lauded Rohit Sharma for his performances. He also made the Indian openers weary of the threat of the Dukes ball.

"Rohit Sharma is very experienced now in Test matches. He has seven hundreds, including four as an opener. But both Rohit and Shubman Gill have not opened in England ever. They know the challenge: the Dukes Ball swings early.

They have to get used to the conditions quickly. In England, it's important to take it one session at a time. In the morning, the ball swings and seams; in the afternoon you can score runs; after Tea, it swings again. As a batsman, if you can adapt to these things, you can be successful. On the other hand, Shubman is a very young guy, still inexperienced, but he should feel confident about his success in Australia. So, if he has the belief, he can do well anywhere in the world," said Ramiz Raja. 

Ramiz Raja then went on to praise Rohit. He said that many would pay any amount to watch Rohit Sharma bat. "Rohit is a match-winner. He's my favorite player, as there are only a few players left in the circuit who are aesthetically pleasing. Devon Conway also scored a double century recently, but one won't give money to watch him bat. Rohit, on the other hand, is a treat to watch.

Once he settles in the middle, he goes on to record hefty innings. He only has to improve his footwork a bit against the new ball. In English conditions, it's tough to deliver straight away, and it'll be a challenge for him."