India’s all-rounder Axar Patel revealed that the plan was to bowl in the good length area and bowl a stump-to-stump line against the Australian batters in the fourth T20I of the series. Patel played an instrumental role in India’s comprehensive 48-run win at the Gold Coast on Thursday.

The left-arm orthodox spinner returned with impressive figures of 2-20, accounting for Australian opener Matthew Short and number three batter Josh Inglis. Patel made the most of his bowling strength as he didn’t give any width to the opposition batters to free their arms.

Axar Patel said in the post-match presentation while talking to Adam Gilchrist, “I was thinking that was the batters’ strength, so I was bowling according to my plan. If the batters are going to hit me down the line, then I can bowl in the middle-stump. Good length, 5-6m length and then if things are slipping from me, then I’ll just bowl an odd full one. So that’s my plan in these condition, I think wicket to wicket is the most important thing.”

On the other hand, Patel also scored a crucial cameo of 21 runs off 11 balls to help India post 167 runs on the board after they were put into bat.

Patel added, “I got a chance because I went into bat at number 7, so I think I had a chance to get to know the wicket. After I spoke with the batters, they were saying that the wicket is not coming on… There was an unexpected bounce and the wicket was a little bit slower, so I just held my position and hit.”

Speaking on his preferred batting position, Patel concluded, “I think whenever the team needs me that’s my preferred (batting) position. If I have an impact for my team, I think that’s the best game for me. I don’t think that number 6 or 7 is my preferred position. I just go there and think about what my team needs now, I’ll do that.”

The fifth and final T20I of the series between Australia and India will be played at the Gabba, Brisbane on Saturday.