India captain Virat Kohli said that after Umesh Yadav’s 10-wicket haul in the Hyderabad Test against the West Indies, there is a problem of plenty when it comes to choosing the best combination for the Test series in Australia later in the year.
It is true that India have the best fast bowling pool in their history, with at least six Test quality options to select from for any assignment. But who ranks where in the fast bowling hierarchy at the moment?
Here, we take a look at the bowlers who should be part of India’s fast bowling pool in Australia.
1. JASPRIT BUMRAH
Jasprit Bumrah.
Currently the best fast bowler in the team. The 24-year-old has pace, control and hits the deck hard. Absolutely perfect for Australian pitches. The Indian team is giving him ample rest to be in perfect shape for the demanding Tests Down Under. He has delivered almost every match in 2018 and gives the team’s bowling a lethal edge with his 145kph bowling.
2. ISHANT SHARMA
The lanky fast bowler has brought consistency in length into his bowling. Pitching the ball a lot further up than before has seen Ishant pick up 38 wickets in his last 10 Tests. The 30-year-old is still recovering from an ankle injury and if he gets fully fit, will lead the Indian pace attack as he more than 250 Test wickets next to his name. Invaluable experience.
3. MOHAMMED SHAMI
Mohammed Shami.
A captain’s delight. Shami has put his body on the line on numerous occasions for the team, earning the respect of the team and captain. He overcame marital problems earlier in the year to re-establish myself in the Test team. Bowls 140 clicks all day and is equally brilliant with the new and reversing ball. Plays the role of a battering ram to perfection.
4. BHUVNESHWAR KUMAR
Recurring back injuries have pushed him down the pecking order. Will be tricky to pick him on the hard Australian surfaces where the ball stops swinging very early and you need extra pace to make things happen. His back issues and prolonged period away from competitive cricket might compel the team management to look at quicker and in-form options.
5. UMESH YADAV
Umesh has been Kohli’s go to pacer in Indian pitches.
Very close to Bhuvneshwar, maybe even ahead. Offers a lot of consistency with pace and conventional swing. Has toured Australia before and knows what the demands are. His 10-wicket burst against the Windies showed Umesh can step up to the challenge as he did that while being the lone seamer in the team following injury to Shardul Thakur. Again, a bowler who can bowl at 140kph throughout the day.
6. MOHAMMED SIRAJ
Following injury to Shardul, the Hyderabad pacer has to be the next in line to make it to the senior team. Has been knocking on the doors for more than a season following a sensational spell in red-ball matches. Was selected for the West Indies series after snaring 40 wickets in nine first-class innings. Many felt should have played ahead of Shardul given his red-hot form.
7. KHALEEL AHMED
He makes the list simply because he is a brisk left-arm pacer. Admittedly, not in the same class at Mitchell Starc but the left-armer showed enough promise in the two Asia Cup match he played in the UAE, picking up four wickets. Can hurry the batsmen with the short of length bowling and can be useful as India’s bowling stocks are filled with right-arm fast men.
