At raipur

ODI World Cup: After picking match-winning figures of 3-16 in India’s 20-win over Australia in fourth T20I, left-arm spin all-rounder Axar Patel said apart from varying his line and length, he is now trying to play with speeds at which he bowls in the format.

At Raipur on Friday night, Axar came in to bowl in power-play and found success when Travis Head slog-swept to short third man. He then had Aaron Hardie castled by a slower delivery and then uprooted Ben McDermott’s off-stump with a quicker delivery to break the back of Australia’s chase, ensuring a series win for India.

"There was grass on the pitch, so some balls were skidding and a few stopped, so they were facing difficulties. I have been doing this since the last three games - one-odd ball in an over I am bowling slower, varying my speed, and then a bowl a quicker one. Line and length you obviously have to vary in T20 cricket but now I am also trying how I can play with the speed."