'If Bumrah Was There...,' Ravi Shastri Provides Crucial Insights Ahead Of WTC Final
Jasprit Bumrah [Image- Twitter]
Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has iterated that the absence of star pacer Jasprit Bumrah means Australia will start as slight favorites in the upcoming WTC final.
India will be without the services of their superstar pacer in the marquee final, which is set to take place at the Oval from June 07.
Bumrah was the spearhead of the Indian attack during their last trip to the UK, and he has also enjoyed considerable success against the Aussies.
In his absence, the onus will be on Mohammed Shami to lead the pace attack.. However, Shastri also reckoned that Indian seamers would be much more prepared for the battle as they had played regular cricket in the lead-up, unlike the Aussies.
"I would say if you look at pace attack, if Bumrah was there, I would say it was equal with an attack of Mohammed Shami, Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj. But that Aussie attack with Starc, Cummins, may be the match fitness will come into play," Shastri said at the ICC's 'Afternoon with Test Legends' event.
"Match fitness might come into play. You need some cricket behind you and staying on the park for six hours for five days is different from bowling in nets for two hours every day. Shami might be key as he has been playing a lot of cricket," Shastri added.
It will be interesting to see how the Indian pace attack fares in the absence of Bumrah, and which bowler replaces him in the set-up. India have a couple of options in the form of the experienced Umesh Yadav and left-arm pacer Jaydev Unadkat, and they have just under 48 hours to decide whom to pick.
The final will take place at the Kia Oval between June 07-11.
 "Yash Mittal")
