Legendary Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar used words like amazing and mind-blowing when describing the pool of talent available to India in the fast bowling department.
Gavaskar’s comments came after India defeated Australia 195 on Day 1 of the Boxing Day Test after Tim Paine opted to hit first. Jasprit Bumrah, India’s spearhead, was the bowlers’ choice with a four-course course.
He was well backed by rookie Mohammed Siraj, who claimed two major wickets from Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green.
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Gavaskar credited the strength of India’s fast bowling bench with creating such a spectacle even in the absence of Ishant Sharma and Mohammed Shami.
“The strength of the bench for fast bowling is incredible. It may not be the same when it comes to spinners, but when you look at the amount of talent available in the fast bowling department, it’s just mind-blowing, ”Gavaskar told 7 Cricket.
The former India captain praised Navdeep Saini, saying he is next in line after Siraj to make his testing debut.
“We have Navdeep Saini who is quite fast, bowling around 145 regularly. He’s not playing (at Boxing Day Test) as he didn’t have God warm-up games, maybe that’s why Siraj got the nod before him. But he is there, there is Umesh Yadav, and there are many other young fast bowlers who are knocking on the doors, ”Gavaskar added.
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When asked to explain why fast bowlers in India can easily generate rhythm today compared to yesteryear, Gavaskar said the credit is due to the gym work they did.
“I think it’s all the gym work they do. The upper body strength is good, now they are guided by professionals and that makes a big difference. Today’s generation is willing to work and takes pride in their appearance, ”he added.
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