Indian skipper Virat Kohli has led the team in 36 Test matches till date and out of that in 28 games, the Indian bowling attack has been able to take all the 20 wickets. The spinners may have played a major part in that, but the pacers have not been far behind, taking a fair chunk of wickets and winning matches themselves.
In recent times, the Indian bowling attack has only shown improvement and with Kohli in command, the pacers have taken up far more importance in India’s scheme of things. Indian bowlers again took the first step when India took on England in Edgbaston, helping the team take 20 wickets and taking them close to victory. That the batsmen failed is another, and worryingly consistent, story. But that Team India can count on its bowlers to consistently deliver is making it a far better overseas competitor than before.
Bharat Arun, India’s bowling coach, was genuinely pleased with his team’s effort after they had dismissed England for 287 and 180 at Edgbaston – the fifth straight time that they had bowled out the opposition twice in a Test. Talking to the reporters at Lord’s, Arun said, “Can’t ask for anything better. There is still room for improvement but the bowlers did a good job. There was a huge improvement from the first innings to the second and that was extremely welcome.”
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India had twice let the opposition take dominant positions before luck intervened in the first innings. However, it also gave a testimony that India had adapted well and changed their plans accordingly. Talking about the same, Arun said, “I can’t really divulge details of the conversation we had. (But) Umesh is at his best when he is bowling quick. In the first innings, he was more looking at bowling to one line. But in the second innings he was being himself.”
Apart from confirming that Bumrah will not play, Arun didn’t reveal what India’s bowling make-up will look like at Lord’s.
Indian bowling coach elaborated, “We’ll take a call tomorrow (about playing two spinners). We will take a look at the wicket but our bowlers have done extremely well in the last game. So we really need to look at any change in strategy depending on the wicket. (The toss-up for the second spinner) It’s a good choice, a tough one too. Depending on the conditions and the team, we’ll take a call on that.”
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On the day the Indian team landed in London, the sun was burning. However, with the pitch showing a decent covering of grass, and with weather forecasts pointing at some rain on Day 1, India’s pacers will be India’s biggest hope, and again, Kohli will hope they will come good.
