Former Indian all-rounder, Irfan Pathan reckons that the fitness of the fast bowlers can be a topic of concern in the post coronavirus era and said that the fast bowlers will need at least 4-6 weeks to reach their prime fitness. Bowling consistently at a pace of 140-150 kmph, running 25 yards and bending every time for it is a tough job and so injury management for the pacers will play a crucial role.

Irfan Pathan also opined that fast bowlers will have to be “a little more” careful than the spinners or the batsmen. During a show in Star Sports, he explained, “To be honest, I am really worried about the fast bowlers. Going forward, they might need 4-6 weeks to get going themselves. It’s a tough job and if you are bowling 140-150 kmph, running about 25 yards to bowl one ball at a time and then keep bowling for a few overs.”

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He further added, “Your body gets stiff, injury management will be key as well because I think for any fast bowler to get back into the rhythm, it takes at least 4-6 weeks, so I think fast bowlers will have to be a little more careful than the spinners or the batsmen.”

International cricket witnessed resumption after 117-days with the three-match series between England and West Indies this month and host Englands made three changes in their second match itself. James Anderson, Jofra Archer, and Mark Wood had paved the way for Stuart Broad, Chris Woakes and Sam Curran in the match.

However, Jofra Archer was dropped from the Manchester Test as he was found in breach of the Covid-19 protocol set to assure the successful completion of the series.

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West Indies on the other hand did not make any changes after winning the first Tes but saw their premium pacer Shannon Gabriel struggling on multiple occasions during the first innings of the second Test in Manchester’s Old Trafford.