"At the moment, Bumrah does not have a good pace bowling partner" - Basit Ali on India's major concern after defeat in 1st IND vs NZ Test 2024
Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali feels ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah lacks a solid pace-bowling partner in the absence of Mohammed Shami during the ongoing New Zealand Test series. Ali's remarks came after India suffered a shocking eight-wicket defeat on a surprisingly seamer-friendly wicket in Bengaluru.
While Bumrah was at his usual best with match figures of 3/70, including a sensational two-wicket spell to start the final day, his fast-bowling partner Mohammed Siraj struggled to get going. He picked up two wickets in the match while conceding 100 runs.
Speaking on his YouTube channel after the game, Ali said as quoted by NDTV Sports:
"The eight-over spell that Bumrah bowled reminded me of Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis. But India need to take into consideration that they will need two pace bowlers alongside him when they go to Australia. At the moment, he (Bumrah) does not have a good pace bowling partner. Shami getting fit before the Australia tour will be crucial for India."
India also misread the Bengaluru wicket and went with only two seam-bowling options and three spinners.
The defeat was their first to New Zealand in a home Test since 1988 and only their third overall to the Blackcaps in home Tests.
"Ahead of the Australia tour, this defeat has come as an eye-opener for Gautam Gambhir" - Basit Ali
![The New Zealand loss was the first for India in Tests since Gambhir became head coach [Credit: Getty]](https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/10/a367e-17295178517279-1920.jpg?w=500)
Basit Ali pointed to how the first Test loss to New Zealand will be an eye-opener for new head coach Gautam Gambhir with the Australian tour around the corner.
The former Indian batter recently took over as Team India's head coach with the side winning the first Test assignment under him by a 2-0 margin over Bangladesh at home.
"Now that India have lost a Test, all the guns will be pointed at KL Rahul. Let's see how Gautam Gambhir tackles this. Rahul Dravid tackled it very well. Ahead of the Australia tour, this defeat has come as an eye-opener for Gautam Gambhir," said Basit Ali.
Rohit Sharma's men recorded the lowest-ever Test score in India with their 46 all-out in the first innings. Despite a spirited fightback with 462 in their second essay, the visitors chased down the target of 107 with relative ease.
India have won 18 consecutive home Test series, dating back to 2012/13 when they last suffered a 1-2 defeat to England. The second New Zealand Test will be played in Pune, starting October 24.