There is as much uncertainty over India’s bowling attack as there is to their batting line-up ahead of The West Test but former fast bowler Trent Copeland is warning Australia not to underestimate them. India will be without Mohammed Shami for the first Test with Jasprit Bumrah taking over captaincy in Rohit Sharma’s absence. It means India will once again be rolling out their second-string bowlers as they did last tour but Copeland says their attack should not be underestimated.
“Akash Deep and Mohammad Siraj on their best days are world-class bowlers, Deep’s last six months in particular he seems like he’s ready and raring to go,” the fast bowler turned Channel Seven commentator told The West Australian. “Last time around at the Gabba saw Washington Sundar who not even most cricket nuffies would know come in and they still beat us. “That’s what I’m expecting to see from India, genuinely the best bowler in the world is Japsrit Bumrah and they base their attack on that fulcrum.
“Siraj is the one who’s had the luxury of having Bumrah and Shami put teams on the back foot by the time he comes on and the challenge for him is if he can step up to be the key cog of that opening partnership.” There have been reports India could go into the match with just one spinner, meaning either Ravindra Jadeja or Ravichandran Ashwin will miss out. Copeland is not so sure believing India will stick to their guns in Perth.
“It’s an incredibly difficult call I don’t.