Zaheer Khan suggests the Indian pace attack for the Adelaide Test

The Indian pace attack that is in Australia for the Test series is a pack of five. They have the required experience, variety as well as pace and intent with them to rattle an opposition in their own backyard and pick 20 wickets. We’ve seen how good they can be hunting together on the tours of South Africa and England but they will have to make a decision to pick three in the playing XI from that lot. Former Indian great Zaheer Khan has given his views on what the composition should be like.

The first Test of the four-match series gets underway at Adelaide on December 6. Australian pitches as a trait don’t assist swing as much but offer a lot of bounce to the bowlers and there is a possibility of generating reverse swing with the old ball. Hence Zaheer wants to constitute a pace attack that covers these required skills.

Bhuvneshwar a misfit

That is why Bhuvneshwar Kumar who is predominantly a swing bowler doesn’t fit into Zak’s playing XI. He said that not just in Adelaide Bhuvi will not find a place in the team for the first few games since there will be little swing on offer and his effectiveness without that isn’t the best.

“Bhuvneshwar will rely on swing and Australian conditions don’t really provide that. You will see good bounce and pace on the wicket. Unlike South Africa or England for that matter where you see some good sideways movement as well.

Just for that reasoning, I would say that maybe for the first couple of Test matches, the Indian team will not be looking at Bhuvneshwar as first priority. The remaining four will be in contention for being a part of the playing XI,” Zaheer told Cricbuzz.

Three-pace attack

The three seamers he would pick are from Ishant Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Umesh Yadav. For him, Shami’s rhythm counts, so does Bumrah’s x-factor and Umesh in his view is a strike bowler.

“The first Test match is starting in Adelaide. You expect Shami, who has been in great rhythm in England to perform. Bumrah can provide the x-factor and I hope that he plays all the four Test matches. That will be very handy. Umesh I think has been the strike bowler. You have these four bowlers (including Ishant Sharma) and the team management would be thinking of picking three from these four,” Zaheer explained.

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