Former Team India fast bowler Ajit Agarkar has effusively praised the national team pace spearhead – Jasprit Bumrah. So much so, the speedster believes it’s a positive sign to see bowling attack in good stead ahead of the ICC World Cup 2019. Well, on the eve of the quadrennial event Agarkar reiterated Bumrah hardly looks off-colour. Thus, he believes it is an advantage for the Men in Blue.
“We have seen what (Jasprit) Bumrah does, he rarely has a bad day, which is such a plus,” Agarkar told PTI.
Over the years, after hailing batters for doing the bulk of the job, the bowling department’s resurgence has certainly helped India to win significant events which eventually saw them scripting history in Australia in the Test series.
The 41-year-old Mumbaikar added such bowlers add balance to the bowling attack.
Agarkar has himself featured in the 1999 World Cup for India. He has starred in six matches to bag seven wickets.
“So (the Indian attack is) very potent and the balance of all-round attack (is good),” Agarkar added.
Shami should play ahead of Bhuvneshwar:
On the other side, Agarkar conceded that much-improved Mohammed Shami should be preferred ahead of Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who has struggled of late particularly in the white-ball cricket.
Agarkar remarked if the team will field to pacer than Shami is in prime form while naming bowling all-rounder Hardik Pandya as the third seam option.
“(Mohammed) Shami, in my opinion, should play ahead of Bhuvaneshwar Kumar, at this point if they (the team management) go with two (pacers) between the three, he is in better bowling form and Hardik Pandya is the third,” Agarkar said.
Meanwhile, India will play their World Cup opener against South Africa on June 5 in Southampton.
Furthermore, Agarkar has named reigning champions Australia led by Aaron Finch to lift the coveted trophy. However, he added the Kangaroos would surely make it to the top four.
He believes the return of Steve Smith and David Warner has benefitted the team. Agarkar further stated Australia has their bowlers to work according to the game plan.
“Exceptional team. People were quite quick to write them off. Obviously, (Steve) Smith and (David) Warner coming (back after the one-year ban) have helped. (Bowlers) Nathon Lyon and (Adam) Zampa offer them a spin option and the quicks have always been good. Should get into the top four comfortably,” he inferred.
England and South Africa game marks the beginning of twelfth edition of the World Cup. Both teams have marquee players to give their hundred per cent.