India’s veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has put his weight behind the fast bowlers, who have struggled to keep the runs in check, especially while bowling at the fag end of the innings in the Indian conditions. Ashwin said that the boundaries are closer to the 30-yard circle in India whereas the boundary ropes are bigger in Australia as they are mostly 80 metres long.
India’s death bowling is a major concern moving into the T20 World Cup as the likes of Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Arshdeep Singh, Harshal Patel have been expensive. Furthermore, Jasprit Bumrah has been ruled out with a back injury, which is a big blow for the team.
Thus, Indian bowlers will need to pull up their socks while bowling in the death overs in the T20 World Cup.
Meanwhile, Bhuvneshwar Kumar didn’t have a great run in the Asia Cup and the T20I series against Australia. As Bhuvneshwar is India’s most experienced bowler, he will need to bounce back stronger in Australia.
Ashwin said while talking to the press in Australia: “Look we can get caught up with what happens in T20 games and in bilateral series back at home.
“It’s only fair to say the bowlers are getting hit around the park but we also need to understand the boundaries are very close to the 30-yard circle in India. When we come to Australia, the boundaries are far bigger, gives the bowlers a bit of license to work with.”
The experienced off-spinner added that the bowlers will need to acclimatise to the Australian conditions and it will be crucial for their success in the T20I showpiece.
“It’s also very important to understand these conditions, the lengths you have to bowl and be brave enough to take those 50-50 options in these places. “It’s a completely new experience, just start fresh, start the book completely new,” the spinner added.
Meanwhile, Indian selectors are yet to name Jasprit Bumrah’s replacement and it is expected that Mohammed Shami could replace him in the squad.
On the other hand, the Indians won their practice match against Western Australia by 13 runs. India will begin their T20 World Cup campaign against Pakistan on 23rd October at the MCG.
