On the fast lane: onus on India’s pace resources to deliver in Australia 

India will need their fast bowlers, spearheaded by the exceptional Bumrah, to excel on the typically lively Australian pitches to secure a third consecutive Test series victory on Australian soil.

Upon evoking Test cricket in Australia, a flood of nostalgic recollections and vibrant scenes from our youth swiftly emerge. The vibrant televised visuals of the game, which we would eagerly tune into from India before daybreak, were truly unparalleled and left an indelible mark on our minds.

The serene expanses embellished with seagulls and pigeons during the cricket match transitioned into the grand arenas with extensive boundaries. The imagery of fielders clasping the ball skyward and the unconventional score displayed as 3/20 rather than 20/3. The contrasting voices of Richie Benaud’s mellifluous tone and Tony Greig’s exuberant commentary on Channel Nine were juxtaposed with the resounding impact of the ball meeting the bat on the solid pitch. These encounters were transformative, etching a profound mark on your affection for the classic form of the game.

One of the most striking aspects of this intense encounter was the speed and liveliness evident on the field. Before a single ball was even bowled, you could sense it in the way the wicketkeeper and slip fielders positioned themselves far back. As the ball was sent down the pitch, it frequently zipped past the batter’s head, reminiscent of legendary stories like Jeff Thomson’s bouncer that once raced to the boundary in a single bounce, a narrative often shared by seasoned veterans of the sport.

The combination of skill, power, and endurance

Shane Warne, with his unparalleled intelligence and charisma, demonstrated how spin could captivate both the batter and the audience. However, it soon became evident that achieving consistent success in Australia necessitated a fast bowling lineup equipped with skill, power, and endurance.

India’s progress in Australia over the last twenty years exemplifies this point well. Despite facing tough times in 2011-12, India showed competitiveness in 2003-04 and 2007-08, eventually clinching series victories in 2018-19 and 2020-21. The performance of India’s pace attacks during these tours significantly influenced the outcomes.

The key to India’s remarkable victory in 2018-19 was their fast bowlers outperforming the Australian team, which is quite impressive given the exceptional skills of Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Pat Cummins.

During his debut Test tour of Australia, Jasprit Bumrah emerged as one of the top wicket-takers in the series, securing 21 dismissals at an impressive strike rate of 44.90. Mohammed Shami and Ishant Sharma also showcased their abilities by contributing 16 and 11 wickets, respectively. On the Australian side, off-spinner Nathan Lyon stood out with 21 wickets to his name. The pace trio of Cummins, Starc, and Hazlewood shared the workload, each claiming 14, 13, and 13 wickets respectively. Despite their efforts, they struggled to break through the defenses of Cheteshwar Pujara and his team.

Throughout the tour, Bumrah, Shami, and Ishant showcased their peak physical prowess, allowing India to depend on them to uphold their performance levels throughout the four-Test series. Bumrah and Shami persevered the entire duration, while Ishant, now significantly enhanced as a bowler, participated in all but one Test match.

Remarkable caress

In the Covid-impacted Australian summer of 2020-21, India clinched a series win after two years, showcasing remarkable resilience amidst a slew of injuries and absences. Despite the compelling narratives, surprises, and challenges in each of the four matches, India’s abundance of pace options shone brightly.

In the concluding fourth Test, despite India’s bowling lineup undergoing significant changes from the series opener, Shardul Thakur impressively secured seven wickets throughout both innings. Meanwhile, Mohammed Siraj, participating in only his third Test match, achieved his maiden five-wicket haul in the second innings. Ishant was sidelined for the entirety of the series, and Shami exited after fracturing his right forearm during the initial Test. Additionally, Bumrah was absent in the crucial Gabba Test, having claimed 11 wickets in the preceding three matches.

Commencing the preparation.

Leading up to the upcoming five-Test series between India and Australia next month, the focus has predominantly been on the pace bowling department. Captain Rohit Sharma expressed the team’s strategy of cultivating a pool of eight to nine fast bowlers in anticipation of the series against Australia during a recent press conference before the first Test match against New Zealand in Bengaluru.

During a press conference, he emphasized the importance of building a robust bench strength so that the organization is not overly dependent on a few key individuals. The goal is to prepare for any unforeseen circumstances and ensure a sustainable future by nurturing a diverse pool of talented individuals.

The goal is to build a team with enough depth so that we can seamlessly replace any injured players. We aim to have a wide pool of options available in both batting and bowling departments, ensuring a strong lineup regardless of any setbacks.

Bumrah remains an indispensable figure in India’s strategy despite the wise decision to prioritize a strong bowling lineup with a substantial pool of players. His consistent stellar performances continue to solidify his claim as India’s premier fast bowler, establishing him as the most well-rounded pace bowler globally at present. Whether opening a Test match or closing a T20I, in various locations like Mumbai or Manchester, and regardless of weather conditions, Bumrah consistently proves to be a versatile and reliable bowler for every cricketing scenario.

Siraj and Akash Deep are set to accompany the leader of the assault on the flight heading to Australia. While Siraj has had some inconsistencies in his performance, his skills have notably improved in the last four years, making him deserving of some forgiveness for occasional errors. On the other hand, even though Akash Deep, a 27-year-old newcomer to the international cricket scene, is still inexperienced, his performances in three Test matches indicate that he possesses the potential to become an essential component of the fast bowling squad.

Shami is in a race against time to recover from a setback in his injury rehabilitation. The suspense now lies in revealing the identities of the remaining two, or possibly three, pacers in the team.

Behind the scenes备份

The traveling reserves for the ongoing Tests against New Zealand feature Prasidh Krishna, Harshit Rana, and Mayank Yadav, indicating they are prime candidates for selection. Mukesh Kumar, Yash Dayal, Khaleel Ahmed, and Navdeep Saini, having been selected as fast bowlers in the India-A squad, are also likely in contention. Notably, Saini, with experience from playing two Tests on the previous tour, is the only one familiar with Australian conditions among this group.

In a shorter series, the pacers following Bumrah, Siraj, and Akash in the lineup might not have been necessary. However, it’s crucial to emphasize that a busy schedule awaits with five Tests crammed into under six weeks, including a two-day warm-up match squeezed between the initial two Tests.

An exciting series is on the horizon.

In the 2020-21 season, despite downplaying the impact of injuries on some of India’s players, it remains highly unlikely for three fast bowlers to navigate a series of such intensity unscathed. Should they manage to do so, it could significantly boost India’s chances of securing a third consecutive series victory in Australia. Conversely, even if this feat proves unattainable, cricket enthusiasts can still anticipate another thrilling series, enriching the storied history of Test matches in Australia.