Michael Atherton Reckons That The Strength Of The Indian Fast Bowling Unit Puts Them In A Good Stead For The Australian Tour

Michael Atherton, the former England opener-turned commentator, has heaped high praise on the revitalization of the Indian pace attack in the past few years, adding that its enormous depth holds it in good stead on their upcoming tour of Australia.

One of the major reasons besides India winning their maiden Test series in Australia back in 2018-19 was its pace bowling trio of Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, and Ishant Sharma.

The trio bowled with pace, venom and hostility and effectively outbowled the famed trio of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood.

“What really should give India hope Down Under is the strength of the bowling attack. It is very difficult to win in Australia without a strong seam bowling attack,” Michael Atherton said on Sony Ten’s Pit Shop.

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Michael Atherton heaps high praise on the Indian fast bowling revolution

Indian fast bowling unit has impinged itself as the best in the world courtesy their performances across all conditions. Since the start of 2017, Indian pacers have claimed a total of 371 wickets in 201 innings and their average of 22.75 is the best among all teams.

Reminiscing about his playing days when the Indian attack used to be mostly centered around its spin bowlers, Michael Atherton heaped high praise on the depth and quality in the pace bowling stocks in the country.

“One of the great things in the last few years about Indian cricket is the sea change in terms of the quality of fast bowlers you have produced. If I go back and think of when I played in India in 1993, it was completely spin-based,” Michael Atherton added.

“There were good fast bowlers then too but I don’t think the number and depth that you have now…and it shows that teams can change their style and I think going Down Under that would be the biggest reason for hope,” the former opener added.

Atherton also lauded Rohit Sharma and reckoned that he, along with the other top-order batsman in Mayank Agarwal and Cheteshwar Pujara will be absolutely key to India’s fortunes in Australia.

“He just looks such a good player that you think success will come (in Tests). That top of the order is so important in Australia. Because if you can have a solid successful start there…as soon as that Kookaburra ball loses its shine you can have some lovely batting conditions.” Michael Atherton added.

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