backfootpunch wrote:I wouldn't be too downhearted if I was an Indian fan
Think this current crop of quick bowlers is by far the best you have ever had and took 20 wickets
You really needed a warm up game or two, batsmen don't have much chance going from Asia to facing rabada, philander, morkel and Steyn on a helpful wicket in South Africa
Agree. This is the best pace attack we have.
The only issue with Shami is that he is usually having some niggle, and although he took wickets the rhythm is missing somewhat. Still he got good number of wickets this test. His speed has dropped since his comeback from injury but still bowling 137+. Previously he hit 145 frequently.
Bhuvi has been impeccable with line and length, moreover he has managed to maintain it even after he increased his pace slightly. Which is an improvement.
Jasprit needs to sort his line and length, his pace is very good.
Havent watched Ishant recently, so no comments on that.
Hardik has bowled with pace, and he has improved his line considerably. When he first came , he was bowling the 4 ball far too often, mostly deviating to the leg stump line. The good thing is that he has a very good pace for a backup bowler or as non-specialist pacer.
Not playing practice match was over confidence. It was a blunder.
Personally i feel, this was bound to happen and it has happened. I do expect that we will get less bowler friendly bowling wickets as compared to this in next two tests. Also, our batters may by now are slightly better adapted to the conditions. So there will be an improvement in batting performance. Someone from BCCI or an Indian fan needs to tweet that this 3 day match is loss of revenue and so there is no point in preparing such a bowler friendly wicket That will help, certainly.