The former Indian cricketer Ajinkya Rahane has reckoned that India’s batting unit has been impressive, but the bowling department remains a concern in the ongoing Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.
India’s tour of England has reached an interesting phase with one test to go. England secured a 2-1 lead until now by winning the first and third tests.
Meanwhile India secured a historic win in the second test and Manchester ended in a draw. Despite a decent bowling performance in the first and second test, India’s bowling performance saw a dip in the third test where they failed to secure a win despite a memorable fight at Lord’s.
India now have their eyes set on winning in the fifth test, slated to start from Thursday at The Oval.
While batters have flourished with the likes of Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja leading the charge, the bowling unit has been dependent on couple of bowlers.
“The India team is playing really good cricket, especially the batting unit has been fantastic throughout the last four Test matches. What concerns the Indian team is the bowling department.”
“A couple of bowlers are bowling well, but they are not getting the support. Apart from that we are playing really good, positive cricket and it’s very good to see,” Rahane said on his YouTube channel.
Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj has 28 wickets between them in the ongoing series while Akash Deep has 10-wicket haul in Birmingham, but managed to pick one wicket at Lord’s.
A groin injury then kept him out of the fourth test with Anshul Kamboj making an unremarkable debut in Manchester.
Meanwhile, Prasidh Krishna was dropped after proving expensive in the opening two tests while picking up six wickets.
India will be planning on their bowling department as Bumrah has already played three tests as planned.
Ajinkya Rahane feels that the short gap between the fourth and fifth tests will be a challenge for the fast bowlers.
“…it is really challenging when you have three-four day break after one Test match and then you’re going to play another match – recovery is really important,” he added.
All the fast bowlers, I’m sure, they are aware about the recovery factor you know preparation wise I’m sure they are preparing themselves really well for the test match. I think next 2-3 days will be really crucial from recovery point of view. So I’m sure they will take care of their body and mind as well,” he said.
The fifth match of the series will be played betweent July 31 and August 04 at The Oval.
