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Business News/ News / Business Of Life/  World Cup 2015: India’s bowlers hit their stride
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World Cup 2015: India’s bowlers hit their stride

After a terrible lead-up to the World Cup, they have made a turnaround with a polished display

Mohammed Shami (middle) celebrates with teammates after dismissing Wahab Riaz of Pakistan during a World Cup match on 15 February. Photo: Scott Barbour/Getty ImagesPremium
Mohammed Shami (middle) celebrates with teammates after dismissing Wahab Riaz of Pakistan during a World Cup match on 15 February. Photo: Scott Barbour/Getty Images

NEW DELHI :

Melbourne: The bowling attack, particularly pacers, have been India’s familiar Achilles heel. It was no different as the team went into the World Cup—the most experienced fast bowler, Ishant Sharma, was ruled out of the Cup after he sustained an injury at the last moment; there was another injury doubt, this time with Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who had been the best of India’s pacers in the last two years. The rest were unpredictable, inexperienced and untested. No one gave them much of a chance. If India had to do well, the onus was squarely on the batsmen. But the tyro trio of Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav and Mohit Sharma have settled into their rhythm at this World Cup with remarkable ease. It helps that in both the matches India have played so far, the bowlers had the cushion of a 300-plus score to defend, but such scores have increasingly become chaseable, especially for a team as strong as South Africa, who India defeated in their second World Cup game.

“Among all the bowlers, Shami has been terrific," says Anil Kumble, who was inducted in the ICC Hall of Fame during the India-South Africa game in Melbourne on 22 February. “For the first time on this Australian tour, I saw him bowling fast in both the matches. Indian bowlers are using short balls very effectively as well, since the grounds are bigger here."

Umesh Yadav (front). Photo:Saeed Khan/AFP
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Umesh Yadav (front). Photo:Saeed Khan/AFP

If Shami has been bowling like a seasoned pro, maintaining a rigidly disciplined line and length, then Haryana’s Sharma, with gentle swing and an equally strict line and length, has ensured that India has not missed Ishant Sharma much. In many ways, the bowlers have bowled in partnership just as their batting counterparts have performed.

On an average, over the two matches India have played, the bowlers have maintained a tight economy rate of 4.2 runs per over for the first 10 overs, and 4.44 in the middle overs. They got hit during the batting power plays, at around 6.66 runs per over, but made up for it with a stringent 4.77 economy rate in the last 10 overs, when most teams go on a scoring spree.

It’s the adaptability and awareness of the game plan which has pleased captain M.S. Dhoni the most.

“They quickly assessed what was the right length to bowl, and didn’t give too much room. When it was swinging, they made sure they bowled a tight length, and when it stopped swinging, they were still bowling close to the batsmen’s body," said Dhoni in his post-match press conference after the win against South Africa.

The speed and accuracy of the Indian pacers has impressed the local experts as well.

“India’s batting is definitely their strongest point but the bowlers are also performing well," says Shaun Tait, who has played 35 ODIs for Australia. “They are definitely very good bowlers. They have spent a lot of time in Australia in the last couple of months and that experience will help them."

Mohit Sharma. Photo:Saeed Khan/AFP
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Mohit Sharma. Photo:Saeed Khan/AFP

“Initially, Ashwin was bowling a bit too quick. But after three-four overs (against South Africa), he realized that bowling slower was a better option," says Kumble, adding: “And then the ball was turning and he was getting wickets too."

The former India captain believes that the Chennai spinner is intelligent and now understands his game better. “That kind of quick adjustment by Ashwin was very satisfying to see," Kumble says. “It is nice to see that he changed his game plan on the ground rather than off the field when the match was over and just thinking what could have been done in the match," says the highest wicket-taker for India in ODI cricket.

The bowlers have also risen to the occasion with their fielding, usually the weakest suite among Indian fast bowlers.

“Significantly, we outfielded the South Africans," Kumble says. “Mohit Sharma’s run out, Umesh Yadav’s throw...were magnificent."

Dhoni too was all praise: “I think we have got some excellent fielders, and apart from that we have got fast bowlers who are above average fielders. We usually see the opposition taking on our fast bowlers in the deep. Mohit (Sharma) and Umesh (Yadav) are quite fast and have good arms."

Even rarer is that India’s backup bowlers look strong too. One of the most impressive bowlers during the triangular series was Gujarat spinner Axar Patel, who is yet to get a game at the World Cup after making way for Jadeja. News from the camp is that Bhuvneshwar Kumar too is recovering fast, and that is bound to add more teeth to the pace attack in coming matches.

“Indian bowlers did struggle in the Test series (before the World Cup) and then were rattled in the ODI matches just ahead of the big tournament," says Tait. “It’s incredible that they are hitting the right notes at the most appropriate time."

Vimal Kumar is the author of Sachin: Cricketer Of The Century and The Cricket Fanatic’s Essential Guide.

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Published: 25 Feb 2015, 07:36 PM IST
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