Ahead of the start of the fifth day of the World Test Championship (WTC) final in Southampton on Tuesday, the deputy Indian skipper, Ajinkya Rahane said that a result in the rain-marred game was still possible. Rahane, who was the highest run-getter 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. Notably, only 141.1 overs of play have been possible in the first 4 days of the much-awaited Test match. 

Ahead of the start of the game on Day 5, Ajinkya Rahane said, “We have seen funny things 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.”

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He further added, “Ya, I think these type 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.”

Day 5 also had also witnessed a delayed start after rain visited Rose Bowl just ahead of the scheduled start. If not for any rain and bad lights, 91 overs will be expected to be bowled on Tuesday. However, Wednesday has been kept as a Reserve Day. Further, when asked about his cool temperament, Ajinkya Rahane said that he stops thinking about the game after the end of a day’s play or a practice session.

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Ajinkya Rahane elaborated, “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 her.”