Following India’s commanding 280-run victory over Bangladesh in the first Test at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, former Pakistani cricketer Basit Ali has heaped praise on the Indian pace attack. He boldly compared the current Indian bowlers to legendary Pakistani pacers Wasim Akram, Shoaib Akhtar, and Waqar Younis, highlighting their impact on the game.
Praise for India’s Bowling Unit
In a discussion on his YouTube channel, Basit Ali remarked on the effectiveness of India’s bowling unit, stating, “The Indian bowling unit is so impactful that they are on the level with pacers Wasim Akram, Shoaib Akhtar, and Waqar Younis. Right now, Mohammed Shami is not playing.” His comments reflect the high regard in which he holds the current crop of Indian fast bowlers, particularly in light of their recent performances.
During the first innings of the Test match, India’s pace trio—Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Akash Deep—demonstrated their skills by bowling Bangladesh out for just 149 runs. Bumrah was particularly impressive, claiming four wickets for 50 runs, showcasing remarkable control and precision throughout his spell. Akash Deep made early breakthroughs that set the tone for India’s dominance, while Siraj’s consistent performance added pressure on the Bangladeshi batsmen.
Suresh Raina and Billy Bowden Bring Iconic Cricket Moment to Life, Sparks Nostalgia Among Fans
Mayank Yadav: A Rising Star
In addition to praising the Indian pacers, Basit also highlighted the potential of young bowler Mayank Yadav, who made headlines in the Indian Premier League (IPL) by bowling the fourth-fastest delivery in tournament history at 156.7 kph. Basit expressed his desire to see Mayank play in Australia, stating, “Mayank Yadav’s ball is very dangerous. His bouncer is accurate. I wish to see him play a Test match in Australia.”
Currently recovering from injuries sustained during IPL 2024 at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), Mayank has yet to make his international debut but is seen as a promising talent for India’s future pace attack.
India is slated to face Australia in a five-match Test series where they will rely heavily on their strong pace battery. Veteran speedster Mohammed Shami is also on the road to recovery and is expected to join the squad for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024.
Stay updated with all the cricketing action, follow Cricadium on WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Telegram, and Instagram
