World Cup 2015: 7 emerging pacers to keep an eye on
It is being said that the ICC 2015 World Cup will be a tournament for pace bowlers. This is an absolute no brainer, considering the event is being held at pace friendly conditions of Australia and New Zealand. Ground conditions aside, the two new rules – 4 fielders outside the 30-yard circle, use of two new balls from each end – will encourage captains to prioritize quicker bowlers. So it was not a surprise when most teams (Including ones who usually depend on spinners) decided to pack their squads with pacers. If this will be the tournament for quicks, then who are the guys worth keeping an eye on? Almost every cricket fan including the passive follower will know a thing or two about Dale Steyn, Mitchell Johnson, and Jimmy Anderson. But who are the younger, lesser known or emerging faces? Like every other edition, the next few weeks will provide these newer faces a perfect platform to anounce themselves to the World. Here are seven emerging pacers every fan must keep an eye on in the duration of the tournament, and perhaps beyond. More established bowlers such as those who played above 50 ODIs and those who may have already played in World Cups are not included in the list. Honourable mentions include Taskin Ahmed (Bangladesh), Chris Woakes (England), Sohail Khan (Pakistan) and Suranga Lakmal (Sri Lanka).
#1 Trent Boult
New Zealand has a habit of producing pace bowlers who make an impact during World Cups. Geoff Allott was the joint highest wicket taker in 1999, while Shane Bond mesmerized in the 2003 edition. Trent Boult could very well be the latest addition to the list.
Easily one of the most exciting bowlers in world cricket, Boult has become New Zealand’s key weapon in recent times. Along with Tim Southee, their duo is considered the deadliest new ball pair in cricket and are expected to wreak havoc in the World Cup.
Boult has been particularly successful in Tests, racking up 110 wickets from 30 tests at an average of 27.39, earning him the 6th place in ICC’s Test Bowling rankings. The man from Rotorua has not had much opportunity in limited overs cricket, but the skill set he possesses could make him a bowler to watch out for this World Cup.
Boult, who idolizes Wasim Akram, is a fast medium bowler who can swing the ball both ways. His main delivery is the inswinger to the right handed batsman. Boult’s swing is often described as the big banana refering to the amount of bend he generates. What makes him even more dangerous to play is his ability to swing the ball late. This sometimes allows him to send unplayable deliveries – the type we are used to seeing from the greats and the best in the business.
His victims include technically correct batsmen like Michael Hussey, Hashim Amla, Sachin Tendulkar, Gautam Gambhir, Mahela Jayawardene, Kumar Sangakkara, Alastair Cook, Chris Gayle, Jacques Kallis to name a few. Despite having a small stature, Boult bowls at a deceptively brisk pace of around 140 kph. His ability to make the ball skid makes him appear even faster. In general, Boult is very aggressive – always attacking the batsman and not afraid to send down a necessary stare.
New Zealand is being dubbed one of the favorites to lift the upcoming World Cup. If they are to do so, Trent Boult will have to play a major role in their campaign.