India’s pace bowling bench strength is very strong, believes Zaheer Khan

The Indian selectors have named Bumrah, Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav, and Shardul Thakur, along with all-rounder Hardik Pandya, in the squad for the first three Tests. The BCCI has informed that pacer Bumrah, who was unfit for the ODI series, would be available for selection from the second Test onwards. The first Test of the five-match series starts in Edgbaston, Birmingham on August 1. However, despite the injury concerns, Zaheer Khan insisted that India has a good bench strength to make up for the injured players. 

“Bumrah is injured for the first few matches and there has been an injury concern to Bhuvneshwar Kumar, which is a concern seeing the forthcoming season, but I believe even after their injuries, the five-match tournament is a long series,” Zaheer was quoted as saying by scroll.in as he flagged off the Kanakia Monsoon Marathon Challenge. 

“I believe whichever bowlers will play - like Umesh (Yadav) is doing well, Ishant (Sharma) is a senior bowler and has to take more lead (role) and Mohammed Shami has a good record - I believe their (Bhuvi and Bumrah’s) absence will be felt, but still India’s bench strength is very strong,” he said.

Bhuvneshwar aggravated a lower back condition during the third ODI in England. The BCCI had said that a call on his inclusion in the Test squad would be made soon. Zaheer agreed with legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar’s views that the current attack is the most complete which India has had over the years.

“Yes absolutely. If you see the style, with the style of each bowler, you can say it is an accomplished attack because in different conditions, different bowlers impress more,” the 39-year-old capturer of 311 Test wickets noted.

“I feel that it will be an Indian summer, seeing the conditions, and I wish the Indian team will play the five-Test series with the consistency with which they are doing good.

“The five Test match rubber is a long series and I hope that all our bowlers will (remain) fit and the entire squad is fit. Because, in a long series it is necessary they stay together as a team.”