Bhuvneshwar Kumar Will Not Be India's First Priority For First Test, Says Zaheer Khan

Former India pacer Zaheer Khan believes Bhuvneshwar Kumar is unlikely to feature in the team’s playing eleven for the first Test against Australia.

There is little denying that Bhuvneshwar Kumar has become India’s most reliable bowler across formats. While few months ago, he was just considered a limited-overs specialist, things have changed now.

The tour of South Africa has made it pretty clear that Bhuvneshwar is an indispensable part of the Test side. He took 10 wickets in just two games to prove his worth.  And with the bat, he played two crucial 30-plus knocks, helping India to register a memorable win in Johannesburg. But unfortunately, he has not played any Test after the South Africa tour due to injury and rest.

However, Zaheer Khan feels Bhuvneshwar would not make it to the playing eleven for the first Test against Australia in Adelaide. The legendary bowler added that the team will be going with three seamers in the first Test match.

He said that the conditions in Adelaide as well as Australia would not suit Bhuvneshwar’s style which yields best results in swinging conditions.

“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.

He further added that India would pick three paces from the likes of Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah and Umesh Yadav for the series-opener.

“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.

The first Test will get underway on December 6. Perth, Melbourne and Sydney will host the remaining three Tests.