England vs India 2018: Indian Bowling Line-up has been Fantastic - Steve Harmison

Former England speedster, Steve Harmison has been left utterly impressed with India’s bowling line-up. The visitors, however, toppled England in the first innings of the Southampton Test on 246 on day one.

The former pacer said he does not know himself why his love for Ishant Sharma is strengthening day by day. On the contrary, he lashed out at England opening batsman, Alastair Cook, and questioned that why is he still around.

On day one, the Indian fast bowlers wrecked havoc in the first session before Sam Curran’s gritty knock put England out of danger.

In his column for Mumbai Mirror, the former pace star sings the praises for Indian bowling. Apart from taking 19 wickets in the Trent Bridge Test, the Indian bowlers were phenomenal with the ball in Southampton as well.

India, who stayed unchanged at the Rose Bowl bowled out England on 246. Indian pacers took eight wickets while as the spinner, Ravichandran Ashwin satisfied himself with two wickets.

“The Indian bowling line-up has been fantastic throughout the summer. Their consistency has been super, their pace has been up, and that has surprised me a bit. Especially, Ishant Sharma, I mean. He should be an example for the Indian team management and the BCCI. He was here playing county cricket, bowled a few overs, got a few wickets and got himself confidence,” he said.

The former speedster believes county stint helped Ishant Sharma to mould himself. Harmison gave credits to county behind his pitching up the delivery on regular intervals.

“He has pitched the ball up and attacked the off stump. He has bowled in and around the off stump and has dragged the batsmen forward. It all boils downs to preparation in the early part of the summer.”

Steve Harmison on Jasprit Bumrah

Harmison further said Jasprit Bumrah works as an x-factor for Men in Blue. The former bowler lauded Bumrah by saying although he missed the first two Tests, Jasprit made a successful comeback in the next game.

“He gives you that bit of X-factor. He is quicker and bowls from a slightly wider release point. I think he is unpredictable, from the visual point of view, not from the areas his bowls. His pace and durability have made him a good addition to the Indian bowling unit.”

While citing the examples of Umesh Yadav and Bhuvneswhar Kumar who are out of the side, Harmison believes it is the best fast bowling attack ever.