Former Indian cricketers Zaheer Khan and Mohammad Azharuddin have faith on the Indian bowlers to do well in the upcoming lengthy five-match Test series in the English tour.
Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah will likely to miss first few Tests while Bhuvneshwar Kumar is in serious doubt for the entire Test series as he is not in the squad for the first three Tests.
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Former Indian left-arm pacer Zaheer Khan said that India will miss both the important pacers, but the top-ranked Test team has strong bench strength in their bowling line-up.
Zaheer said, “Bumrah is injured for the first few matches and there has been an injury concern to Bhuvneshwar Kumar, which is a concern seeing the forthcoming season, but I believe even after their injuries, the five-match tournament is a long series.
“I believe whichever bowlers will play – like Umesh (Yadav) is doing well, Ishant (Sharma) is a senior bowler and has to take more lead (role) and Mohammed Shami has a good record – I believe their (Bhuvi and Bumrah’s) absence will be felt, but still India’s bench strength is very strong.
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The former Indian pacer has agreed legendary Sachin Tendulkar’s views on the Indian bowling line-up as the legendary Indian cricketer believes that the current bowling attack is the most complete in Indian cricket history.
By agreeing that views, Zaheer added, “Yes absolutely. If you see the style, with the style of each bowler, you can say it is an accomplished attack because in different conditions, different bowlers impress more.”
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Zaheer feels that India will do well in this summer, the team just need to enjoy the tour.
The 39-year-old said, “I feel that it will be an Indian summer, seeing the conditions, and I wish the Indian team will play the five-Test series with the consistency with which they are doing good.
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“The five Test match rubber is a long series and I hope that all our bowlers will (remain) fit and the entire squad is fit. Because, in a long series it is necessary they stay together as a team.
“Your tough and good days will come [alternately]. The more you enjoy the tour and the local flavours, (the more) it will be beneficial.”
Meanwhile, former Indian captain Mohammad Azharuddin believes England bowlers will find difficult to get success against the strong Indian batting side during the upcoming five-match Test series.
Azharuddin told PTI, “England will find it very difficult to dislodge India because they don’t have a good bowling attack. We have a very strong side. There are only two (good) bowlers they have — (James) Anderson and (Stuart) Broad, but they are injury prone and in the twilight of their careers.”
The former Indian skipper believes that the green pitches can’t bring assurance for the English cricket team as India has very good swing bowlers. He also believes that India should go with three pacers and two spinners as the pitches will get dry later.
The 55-year-old said, “If it’s a green pitch then they may go with 4-1, but I think 3-2 will be a better combination if you want to win. Because, later the pitches will get dry. It will be hot and the pitches would offer turn especially on the last two days.
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“The only chance England will have is, if they give green tops, but if they give green tops they will also struggle, because we also have very good swing bowlers.”
Azharuddin has impressed on the Indian left-arm chinaman Kuldeep Yadav’s recent performances and said that he must be picked in the playing XIs for the upcoming Test matches.
Azharuddin said, “He is performing so he should be picked and the England side is struggling (against) him. Ashwin and Yadav should play. I don’t think Jadeja will make the cut.”
