The Indian cricket team quickly needs to sort out its bowling department before the World Cup begins, next month. The team management is relieved that the tri-series will give the team the time and practice India need to get the combination right, before the big event. Whether it will be three pacers, or two pacers, and if more spinners need to be factored into the bowling line-up, than pacers – all of these questions should be answered.
Sources within the team top brass say that the team management will try all possible combinations with the current bunch of bowlers, and then gauge which of them are best for the World Cup playing team. With Dhoni coming back into the thick of things, the management is also relieved that the team is getting to hone its skills against major opponents like the Australians and England in the very conditions that will confront all sides in the World Cup.
“Most of the teams are used to the conditions here in Australia, so there is nothing worry there,” the source told Dr Cricket. The only area of concern is the Indian bowling — and the team is starting to take an optimistic view of this situation. The management is taking every effort to keep the boys in blue positive, because good temperament is what fortifies players for the most challenging games. The team also knows that it’s bowlers are not the best in the business and so it’s important to fix those areas of weakness. Negativity will not help this cause.
Sources said that death bowling is something the team is working really hard at. With the new ball, India is relying on Bhuvneshwar Kumar to do his bit. The Meerut pacer may not be a sound bowler in the slog overs, but he can get you those early breakthroughs. In the middle overs, which is equally important, it would mostly be the Indian spinners who will be entrusted to keep the opponent’s batsmen in check. The real problem of this Indian attack in the ODI starts from the 35th over onwards. Due to lack of variety, these bowlers can be absolutely clueless.
The Indians need someone who can bowl “yorkers” at will. India needs a bowler who can deliver the best spells in the second power-play of the opponent’s innings. “These are areas where the bowlers are currently working,” the source added.
Before India take on Australia in the opening match of the tri-series, on Sunday, the Indian bowlers will get an opportunity to see the other two teams — hosts Australia and England — take on each other on Friday. This match will give Bhuvi & Co. a good look at how the Australian wickets play in an ODI match. After all, barring Ishant Sharma and R Ashwin, the rest of the attack is new to this country!
