We Have A Fabulous Five, Says Ravi Shastri As He Backs India's 'Fab Five' To Beat Australia In Tests

Ahead of the much-anticipated four-match Test series against Australia, India head coach Ravi Shastri has lavished praise on the team’s pacers. Calling them ‘fabulous five’, the former India allrounder stated that India’s pacers have the ability to beat Australia in their own den.

The last time India toured Australia, their pacers had played an important role in the historic Test series triumph. Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami and Ishant Sharma had starred with the ball to help India win their first-ever Test series on the Australian soil. The trio had picked up a record 48 wickets in the four-match series as India clinched the series 2-1.

India will be expecting a similar performance from their pacers as they look to retain the Border-Gavaskar series. And Ravi Shastri is confident the bowlers can do power the team to win again. Ravi Shastri admitted that Ishant’s absence does make a difference to the fast-bowling department, the Indian head coach believes that the Kohli-led side can still deliver the goods against Australia in their own backyard.

Ishant is currently at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) for his rehabilitation and is expected to join the Test squad later. He, however, looks likely to miss at least the first Test due to lack of practice.

“We have a fabulous five – (Jasprit) Bumrah, (Mohammed) Shami, (Mohammed) Siraj, Umesh (Yadav) and Navdeep Saini,” Ravi Shastri told Sportstar.

“Yadav has the experience. Saini is young and fast. Bumrah one of the best in business. Shami is raring to go. Siraj is an exciting prospect. You put up runs on the board and watch these fast bowlers hunt the opposition. They can beat Australia in their own den,” added Ravi Shastri.

The Test series is scheduled to start on December 17 in Adelaide. Prior to the Tests, India and Australia will play three ODIs and as many T20Is.

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