England vs India: Ashish Nehra banks on Ishant Sharma to come good in the Test series

Team India is gearing up for the gruelling five-match Test series against England which is set to commence on August 1. The visitors have historically struggled in the longest format in the country mostly because their bowlers were unable to pick 20 wickets of the opposition. But this time around they have the pace attack which can trouble the hosts. However, Ashish Nehra feels that the visitors will do well if the lanky fast bowler Ishant Sharma bowls to his strengths during the series.

They are currently struggling with the injuries to Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah. The latter has been ruled out of the series opener and Bhuvi is not in the squad for the first 3 Tests. In their absence, Ishant is expected to lead the bowling attack with the amount of experience he possesses in the whites.

He needs to pitch it up

Former Indian cricketer Ashish Nehra, in an interview with ESPN Cricinfo, has backed Ishant Sharma to be the fittest during all the five matches of the series. Given the longevity of the contest, the workload will take the toll on the bowlers.

“The strongest point is his physical fitness. That’s how he has managed to play for so long. Although he does not take too many wickets, as a captain I would want him in my team because he can bowl long spells,” he said.

As far as the weather in England is concerned, the bowl might not swing much during certain phases and Nehra feels this is where the Ishant’s strength lies as he can bowl long spells in a day.

“This summer, the way the weather is in England, the wickets are not swinging much. He can give you 22-23 overs a day, and his long spells will help the other two [fast] bowlers. He is a hit-the-deck bowler. Although he might come on one-change, he is experienced. He has played seven Tests in England. For him to be fit will be very important for India,” Nehra added.

Ishant has warmed up nicely for the contest by picking 3 wickets in the practice game against Essex and it is certain that he will play in the first match.

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