Lack of experience could hit the Indian attack hard in the ensuing limited overs series. Coming out of a tough series the last thing MS Dhoni would have hoped for was a bowling combination that has nearly no familiarity in England. Barring RP Singh (5) and Munaf Patel (2) none of the other specialist bowlers have played an ODI in England.
Fast bowling coach TA Sekar laid down the reasons for India’s plight. “The over dependence on Zaheer Khan is starting to tell. The pacers who have come through in the last 2-3 seasons have not really learned the tricks. Ishant Sharma has become a one dimensional bowler. As he is unable to bowl the outswinger, it’s time he starts developing the leg-cutter,” Sekar said.
RP Singh’s recall raised many eyebrows and Sekar is not amused either. “What has he done in domestic cricket to merit a return? Instead Varun Aaron should have been drafted in earlier”. Singh’s rustiness was apparent in the Oval Test where he went wicketless in 34 overs. India’s troubles do not end with the seam department. The spin stock is not encouraging either. Amit Mishra has been extremely slow through the air and in turn lacks bite off the surface. With Harbhajan ruled out the onus will be on Tamil Nadu off-spinner R. Ashwin. The challenge in front of the duo is ominous and the spell against Sussex would have given them some idea on how to go about things. Veteran spinner BS Bedi sees a flaw in the coaching method but was not ready to be overtly critical. “The team is already down and I don't want to pull them down further. At the same time the team management has to agree there are too many things that are going wrong at the moment. It is never going to be easy for spinners in England and a medium pacer (Eric Simmons) teaching spinners is only going add to the woes,” Bedi explained.
The turnaround has to happen quickly. The margin for error in limited overs cricket is pencil thin and the bowlers will have to be spot on to stop England carrying on with the momentum. “Bowling a good line and length alone won’t help in ODIs. Variations are equally important. At the international stage a bowler cannot get away by saying he attempted a yorker but it did not turn right. The bouncer will have to be used judiciously as the batsmen will be in no mood to spare anything loose,” Sekar added.
Ashwin ready for the challenge A spate of injuries has elevated R. Ashwin to the position of ‘key bowler’. For the first time in his career the off-spinner will carry this big a burden. “The task ahead is huge but I cannot be thinking of filling in Harbhajan's boots. Still have a job to do and deliver what is expected of me. The team management and Dhoni have always been supportive and I am confident of a good show,” said Ashwin before he left for England.
For a spinner who thrives on getting the fingers strongly behind the ball, the cold conditions could prove a disadvantage. “I am sure there is enough time to get used to the conditions. There is a challenge in every condition, the trick is in adapting quickly,” explained Ashwin. The 24-year-old will have his work cut out but looks ready for the battle ahead. “I have worked hard in the nets on a few variations. Now I have the confidence to use them in match situations. Hope it all works out well,” Ashwin concluded.
