IND vs PAK: 'They'll Be Forced To Go A Little Harder With The Bat": Michael Atherton Discusses The Consequences Of Jasprit Bumrah's Absence

Former England captain Michael Atherton stated that India will miss Jasprit Bumrah, but that they must fill that void with a strong batting display.

Indian spearhead Jasprit Bumrah will not play in an important ICC tournament for the first time since making his international debut.

The BCCI confirmed that the right-arm quick is out of the T20 World Cup 2022 due to a back injury weeks before it starts. After complaining of back pain, he missed the South Africa T20I matches at home in order to visit the National Cricket Academy.

Later, the BCCI medical staff revealed that the pacer was unable to recover in time and would therefore be missing the championship match in Australia.

Former England player Michael Atherton said in an interview with Sky Sports that although India will miss Bumrah greatly, they must make up for it with a strong batting performance.

“Bumrah will be a big miss for India but you can’t discount them with the strength of their batting and. I think they miss Bumrah’s absence. It should clear their mind and strategy,” Atherton was quoted as saying.

“Australia would have a strong chance on home”: Michael Atherton

The ex-cricketer who is now a commentator ranked Australia as the favourite and cited Tim David’s inclusion as one of the things that makes the defending champions look stronger.

“You must think Australia would have a strong chance on home turf and they look a bit stronger than last year. They are a more developed side and Tim David’s likely inclusion gives them a bit more power,” Michael Atherton said.

“Their players know the conditions and they tend to be quite difficult to beat at home so I expect them to give a good account of themselves. As hosts and defending champions, they are the side to beat,” Michael Atherton added.

In a warm-up match earlier on Monday at the Gabba, India defeated Australia by 6 runs, and Shami ended up being the main troublemaker. The senior Indian pacer entered the attack and quickly ran through the tail end, resulting in 4 dismissals in as many deliveries as the Australians needed to score 11 runs off the final six balls.

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