In ODIs, Two 'New Balls' System Has Killed Reverse Swing, Reckons Umesh Yadav

India pacer Umesh Yadav has denounced the use of ‘two new balls’ in One-day Internationals, saying it is killing the art of reverse swing while putting fast bowlers in a state of great disadvantage in the contemporary cricket.

Meanwhile, Umesh made a comeback to Twenty20 Internationals team after a gap of five years. He took two wickets for 19 runs, as the hosts crashed within 70 runs – to hand the visitors a 2-0 series win at The Village in Dublin.

Moreover, as a result, India ended their preparations on a high ahead of the England tour.

Umesh expressed his satisfaction on his effort, however, raised speculations over the growing concern over bowler’s future.

Most recently, legendary batsman Sachin Tendulkar called the use of two balls as a perfect recipe for disaster.

Furthermore, this issue gained mileage recently after England struck 481 runs against Australia in an ODI game in their backyard.

World cricket board International Cricket Council (ICC) introduced the ‘two new balls’ system way back in 2011. Since then, there has been a spurt in the number of high-scoring games.

Umesh noted that it is hard to contain runs with new balls. He also cited that due to two balls the bowlers are hardly getting any reverse swing.

“Because of the two new balls, it is tough for the fast bowlers to contain runs. If you have only one ball then it gets older and older and you get reverse swing. With two balls, reverse swing is rarely seen in the ODI game right now, so it is difficult for fast bowlers especially if they don’t get the lengths and the yorkers right,” Umesh said.

Umesh Yadav has been an improved bowler:

The pacer further spoke about the difficulties fast bowlers are facing whilst using two new balls in England.

“If the ball isn’t doing anything in the death overs, it is tough to handle that pressure especially if the wicket is very flat. Nowadays we have seen that the wickets are very flat and in England, they are now regularly playing on that kind of surfaces,” he added.

In conclusion, Umesh Yadav reiterated they will put their best feet forward against England. India will now move to England for series across formats starting with the T20Is.

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