Australia vs India 2018: India's Seam Bowling Their Best Ever - Mike Brearley

Former England cricketer Mike Brearley feels that Indian National Cricket Team has their best seam bowling attack ever following their recent show in the overseas tours.

Meanwhile, Bearley will always have a unique place in the world of sport and is a great thinker of the game. However, in a chat with TOI Brearley dwelled on modern day cricket and Indian skipper Virat Kohli.

On one player captaining in all formats

The 76-year-old appreciated Virat Kohli for leading Team India across all formats. He is at his best as he had achieved a lot of success in recent times. The right-hander is currently playing the second Test against Australia after a convincing 31-run win in the first Test.

“If he is in good form as captain and as a player, and is good at all three formats, yes. The advantage is that he will feel all the teams are his team, as it were, The disadvantage is the risk of burn-out. For example, (Joe) Root and (Eoin) Morgan seem to work out well enough together for ODIs and T20s, and Root is improving and doing well in Tests, so it can work well.” Mike Brearley said.

On Virat Kohli’s aggression

No doubt, Virat had always shown his aggressiveness on the field, and he sets it as a trend for the Indian cricket team. Mike Brearley feels that Kohli’s aggression had helped a lot in recent times and he should continue to carry this while leading the team.

“Virat wears his heart on his sleeve. There is a lot to be said for this passion, but of course, there are possible downsides. Each person has to do it in his own way. I’d be more worried about him going a bit passive, almost detached or uninvolved, towards the end of the game, as he did at the Oval when England was on top.” Brearley added.

Thoughts on the current Indian team

Former England captain Mike Brearley admitted that India is one of the best team in the recent time. He also appreciated the seam bowlers and credited Ravichandran Ashwin stating him as one of the best openers.

“The Indian team is one of the best the country has had. The seam bowling is the best in-depth that it has ever had. Ashwin is a fine bowler. The fielding is probably better than ever too. It’s an exciting time to be following cricket in India.” he further added.