Former India pacer Zaheer Khan believes India has sufficient bench strength to replace the absentees injured pace bowlers Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah, at least for part of the upcoming five-Test series against hosts England.
Indian pace attack include Bumrah, Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav and Shardul Thakur in the squad for the first three Tests. Bumrah will be available for selection from the second test. However, Bhuvneshwar missed out from the selection following aggravated lower back condition. The BCCI will take a call on his inclusion soon.
“Bumrah is injured for the first few matches and there has been an injury concern to Bhuvneshwar Kumar, which is a concern seeing the forthcoming season, but I believe even after their injuries, the five-match tournament is a long series,” Zaheer said after flagging off the Kanakia Monsoon Marathon Challenge, comprising three races, at the suburban Bandra-Kurla Complex
“I believe whichever bowlers will play – like Umesh (Yadav) is doing well, Ishant (Sharma) is a senior bowler and has to take more lead (role) and Mohammed Shami has a good record – I believe their (Bhuvi and Bumrah’s) absence will be felt, but still India’s bench strength is very strong,” he said
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Zaheer feels India has a complete bowling attack after a while.
“Yes absolutely. If you see the style, with the style of each bowler, you can say it is an accomplished attack because in different conditions, different bowlers impress more,” the 39-year-old capturer of 311 Test wickets noted.
Zaheer also said that the English summer will match Indian conditions and India will play consistently considering their recent form.
“The five Test match rubber is a long series and I hope that all our bowlers will (remain) fit and the entire squad is fit. Because, in a long series it is necessary they stay together as a team,” he said.
“Your tough and good days will come [alternately]. The more you enjoy the tour and the local flavours, (the more) it will be beneficial,” he added.
The first test match starts 1 August in Edgbaston.
