Cricket: India’s ‘fabulous five’: Bumrah, Shami, Siraj, Yadav and Saini

By MSV Last updated Nov 24, 2020

NAGPUR, INDIA - MARCH 05: Jasprit Bumrah of India prepares to bowl during game two of the One Day International series between India and Australia at Vidarbha Cricket Association Ground on March 05, 2019 in Nagpur, India. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

Coach Ravi Shastri believes India’s pace attack can conquer Australia “in their own den” in the upcoming Test series between the world’s top two sides, according to AFP.

India’s quick bowlers, led by Jasprit Bumrah, will face a powerful home batting line-up including David Warner and Steve Smith when the four-Test series begins on Dec. 17, said the AFP report.

But Shastri said his team’s pace unit was the best in the world, despite being likely to be without the injured Ishant Sharma who is receiving treatment India for a muscle tear.

“His absence does make a difference to the fast-bowling department, but then we have the capacity among the young bowlers to deliver,” Shastri told Indian magazine Sportstar.

Shastri dubbed Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Umesh Yadav and Navdeep Saini the “fabulous five.” adding, “Yadav has the experience. Saini is young and fast. Bumrah one of the best in business. Shami is raring to go. Siraj is an exciting prospect.

“You put up runs on the board and watch these fast bowlers hunt the opposition. They can beat Australia in their own den.”

Australia last week overtook India at the top of the inaugural world Test championship when the scoring system was amended due to the coronavirus pandemic, but Virat Kohli’s men enjoyed a historic first Test series win Down Under on their last tour in 2018-19.

According to AFP, Shastri is confident his team can stay focused on and off the pitch during the tour, which requires travel bubbles and isolation because of the pandemic.