WI v IND | Its good to see Indian bowling unit keep India No. 1 in Tests, says Virender Sehwag
Virender Sehwag believes that it is the consistent show of the bowlers that has helped India maintain their No. 1 ranking in Test cricket. Ishant Sharma’s five-fer from the first innings was followed up by Jasprit Bumrah in the second to grant India a 318-run win against West Indies.
For some time now – maybe since the tour of South Africa in 2018 – the Indian bowling attack has had the cricketing world sit up and take notice. Yesterday proved another perfect example as the hosts were blown away for just 100 (chasing 419), on a wicket that didn't really have any demons in it.
"It is not that we didn't have quality bowlers before. In my time we had the likes of Javagal Srinath, Ashish (Nehra) and Zaheer Khan; and it’s great to see the way Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Shami, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and the likes of Umesh (Yadav) – he has been around for a long time – have performed. It is good to see the way these bowlers are bowling and (it) ensures we are a formidable line-up," Sehwag told IANS, reported TOI.
As India was busy decimating West Indies in Antigua on Sunday, Ben Stokes played a blinder in Leeds to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat in the Ashes for England – another brilliant advertisement for Test cricket and the World Test Championship.
"The championship has come at the right time is what I feel. When there are such exciting matches (Ashes), it will be great to have the Test Championships. This will be great for the Test-playing nations and for the format... more exciting and more competitive," he said.
Australia will now look to turnaround quickly from the shock at Headingley, possibly with the help of their star batsman Steve Smith back from injury. Regarding the major discussions going regarding player safety, Sehwag feels that the game already protects the batsmen enough.
"I never used the chest pad in my life... So I don't think I need to use neck pads. Batsmen have the bat in hand, helmet on head, what more do you need? Let's give something to the bowlers," Sehwag added.
