By: Tarish Bhatt
Ishant Sharma is all braced up for tough bowling conditions in the Caribbean Islands. Unlike last century, the pitches in the West Indies are more batting friendly, and does not have the same zip and bounce.
The recently concluded tri-series between Windies, South Africa and Australia witnessed slow, turning wickets. India can expect something similar in the four-match Test series, starting July 21 in Antigua.
Ishant, who will be leading India’s bowling attack, insisted that he is ready for the Caribbean challenge. The lanky pacer on his last Windies tour picked 22 wickets in two Test matches.
The Delhi-born said that the bowlers will have to bend their backs in the upcoming series. He added that the team cannot just rely upon spinners, if the there is nothing happening in the air and off the deck.
“You have to have enough overs under your belt,” Ishant insisted. “You have to work hard enough even if conditions are not favourable. It is easy to give up and say there’s nothing in the wicket so spinners will do the job and we will only try to hit the areas.”
“It doesn’t work like that. Specially for me, as I like to go flat out whether it is my second or third spell,” the Indian team’s bowling spearhead added. “I love to give my hundred percent.”
