Ashwin Leaving a Bowler’s Shackle
“No doubt a big contribution from the middle and lower order without tail and bad first five. Ravindra, Nitish, and even Tail would help us in that department – Jasprit Bumrah and Akashdeep,” Cheteshwar Pujara said.
The experienced Indian batter Cheteshwar Pujara has raised doubts regarding India’s bowling strength as they gear up for an all-important Boxing Day Test against Australia in Melbourne. After the retirement of star spinner Ravichandran Ashwin following the Brisbane Test, the main spin option in the team is now Ravindra Jadeja.
Speaking to Star Sports, Pujara mentioned that the depth of spin attack is quite absent, calling Ashwin’s absence a major hindrance. “My biggest question and reason for concern is that the Indian bowling is looking a little weak,” regarding Pujara’s remarks.
Batting Gives Some Comfort
Pujara went on to say that the batting has shown some firmness in times of difficulty, particularly when it comes to the top order, with significant contributions from its middle and lower-middle portions, including strong hit batsmen like Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and tail-enders such as Jasprit Bumrah and Akashdeep.
“The top five have not done their jobs; however, the middle and lower order have contributed significantly. Jadeja, Nitish, and even tail-enders like Bumrah and Akashdeep helped with the bat,” he said.
Team Combination Dilemma
According to him, India could boast a decent bowling armory, of which support from the Nitish Kumar Reddy and Jadeja combination is inadequate. “With Ashwin gone, two spinners are unlikely in Melbourne. The three seamers are good, but their support from Nitish and Jadeja isn’t enough. Strengthening the bowling department is crucial,” emphasized Pujara.
Improvement Urgently Needed In Bowling
The long-time batter makes a point regarding the importance of taking 20 wickets to win a Test match and confesses the existing combination of bowling is not that strong to be able to do it. So Pujara noted, “If you want to win a Test, you have to take 20 wickets. The current setup is not strong enough to do that. This needs more urgent improvement.”
The Sydney Test
With the Border-Gavaskar Trophy being decided in this Test, this match is between India and Australia. This match starts at the Sydney Cricket Ground on January 3, and the Border-Gavaskar trophy moves in the fifth Test as Australia leads the series at 2-1. India will look to address their concerns in bowling before heading into this match as it promises to be high-octane.
