'Our Hunting Pair Is Ready'- Aakash Chopra Lavishes Praise On The Indian Pace Duo

Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra feels that the Indian pace-bowling attack-led by Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami is more than capable to set the ‘cat among the pigeons’ among the Australian batting-unit in the upcoming Test series.

Chopra was responding to a fan’s query, who had asked the former opener if the Indian bowling attack was good enough to challenge the might of Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne and the other Australian batsmen in the all-important Test rubber.

The former opener responded in the affirmative, adding that while Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami will be a force to reckon with, just as they were in the previous Border-Gavaskar Trophy Down Under, the third-pacer, whether it is Navdeep Saini, Mohammed Siraj or Umesh Yadav, will be an able ally for the duo.

“Yes, yes, yes. I can answer this question with great confidence because there is Bumrah and Shami and whichever third pacer plays will also be good, whether it is Navdeep Saini, Umesh Yadav or Mohammed Siraj.” Aakash Chopra said on his official Youtube channel.

“As they say, fast bowlers hunt in pairs. So, your pair is already ready. There is no tension there, till the time Bumrah and Shami are there, I feel we will have the ability to rock the top order.” he added.

Aakash Chopra on Australia’s opening woes

With David Warner ruled out of the first Test, Joe Burns in horrendous form, and doubt hovering around Will Pucovski’s participation after he suffered a blow on his head in the practice game, Australia is struggling to find a reliable opening pair, and Aakash Chopra feels that if India can give early blows to the home side, then they can really put their famed duo of Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith into pressure.

“And let’s be fair, Warner is not there and Joe Burns is also doing 50-50. Will Pucovski has also got a blow to his head and he was also going 50-50. So I feel their top order was anyway becoming a little weak. So if you get one or two wickets with the new ball, then you can expose their middle order even more.” Aakash Chopra said.

“So I think the Indian fast-bowling attack and the spinner also will be fine. Our bowling attack with the new ball in the first 40-45 overs, no problem, we will take wickets.” he added.

Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami were the wrecker-in-chief for India during their 2-1 series win in Australia two summers ago and the pace-battery has started on a positive note as they knocked over Australia A in the ongoing pink-ball practice game cheaply.

Also Read- ‘It Is A Two-Horse Race’ – Aakash Chopra Names The Two Players That Will Open The Innings For Team India vs Australia In The First Test