Time to form new core of pace-attack in Tests for India

Where do Indian bowling attack fail?

Since the Test series against Australia in 2013, India haven’t had a good run in the Tests. They were winless in South Africa, Australia and New Zealand and could only manage one victory in last 13 Test matches which is not a good sign for a number four ranked Test team.

The batting unit clicked in three overseas trips, but the bowling department failed to rise to the occasion, and consequently, India were unable to achieve the desired results.

In all the four overseas tours, the pacers didn’t live up to the expectations. They failed to click as a unit, and thus, India lost the plot in crucial junctures of the match. An ideal example would be the Johannesburg Test match in 2013 where Mohammad Shami was the only bowler who posed some serious questions to the Proteas batsmen, while Zaheer Khan was no way near his best in the fourth innings. Also, Ishant wasn’t looking like wicket-taking bowler as he looked to hold up one end.

Another instance where India’s bowlers failed to click as a unit was in Australia. In all the four Test matches, the bowlers were leaking runs around four runs in an over, and Ishant was the only bowler who curbed the run flow. The pacers were not able to hunt in a pack as the bowling combination was not proper in all the four overseas trips.

The conclusion that can be drawn from the above two instance is India’s pacers failed to be effective on good surfaces, and hence, could not achieve the results in South Africa and Australia. Another reason why India’s paceman were not able to make an impact was because of improper bowling combination. Since Ishant was permanent in the Test squad, some talented bowlers like Bhuvneshwar Kumar and even Mohammad Shami had to sit out for a Test match which is not a good idea from the team management. Therefore, it’s time for India to form a wicket-taking pace-attack that can be effective in all conditions.

It wouldn’t be a bad idea to form a new core of pace attack with Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammad Shami and Umesh Yadav as all three are capable of taking wickets in different situations of the match. Bhuvneshwar Kumar can pose questions to the batsmen with new-ball, and Umesh Yadav too is capable of swinging the ball at good pace which can create problems for batsmen.

He is also good with the old ball as he can get the ball to reverse with his pace and thus, can create problems to the batsmen in the middle part of the Test match. And Shami is someone who comes and hits the deck hard and thereby he gets some purchase out of the surface. So, this combination also brings some variety into the attack and also has the capability to strike with the ball in different situations of the match.

Another aspect which makes imperative in forming this new core of pace attack is the lack of adequate amount of chances to these players. Apart from Mohammad Shami, Umesh Yadav and Bhuvneshwar Kumar hasn’t consistently played for India in Test matches. Bhuvneshwar Kumar has the potential to deliver at the highest level and has great control over line and length.

If he can work on his fitness, Bhuvneshwar Kumar would indeed have successful Test career. Also, as Andy Roberts termed Umesh Yadav is the first genuine pacer for India, he will also need some matches under his belt. He has all the ingredients for a fast bowler, and if he can be groomed well, Umesh could be a lethal pacer for India in future.

Therefore, these three form a wicket-taking bowling combination and if they can get adequate amount of chances now, it could be the ideal solution for India’s overseas woes. It is hoped this solution is the one Indian team resort to.