We Have An Attack That Can Disrupt Opponents - Ajinkya Rahane

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There was a time when India always struggled in overseas conditions due to lack of variety in pace bowling. Despite one or two good fast bowlers, India hadn't the bowlers who could take 20 wickets in a Test match. But this time around, India have the pacers who can trouble any opposition on any surface with their pace and bounce.

Since 2016, the pacers have taken a total of 175 wickets in 23 Tests, at an average of 27.01. The stats becomes even more special because out of 23, 20 matches have been played in sub-continent conditions that doesn't offer much for the fast bowlers. The pacers have established why they are now a more menacing unit.



Ajinkya Rahane, the vice-captain of India also believes that India's pace bowlers are experienced enough to deal with overseas conditions. He had all praise for the pacers in pre series press conference on Monday, July 30.

"Our pace bowlers are very experienced. Shami and Umesh were here in 2014 as well. They've been doing so well for us, not only in India but outside as well.

"In South Africa, we got 60 wickets... our fast bowlers bowled really well. It is a challenge to bowl in England but I'm really confident about them -- not only Umesh and Shami but Ishant, who came here and played some county games. We have Jasprit Bumrah as well. We have an attack that can disrupt opponents. But yes, it will be a challenge for them to bowl patiently and bowl in the right areas for a long period of time," Rahane said.



India pace bowling has grown richer over the past two years. However, spinners ruled the roost but the pacers invariably impressed. In the series against South Africa in South Africa earlier this year, India's pacers combined to take 50 wickets in three Tests. Jasprit Bumrah, despite been new in Test cricket, troubled South African with his pace and bounce along with Mohammad Shami, Ishant Sharma and Bhuvneshwar Kumar.

However, Rahane also advised to the pacers to be the patience depite been the England pitches are helpful for the fast bowlers.

"There is always help for bowlers in England, but that doesn't mean it is easier for the bowlers. They need to be patient in these conditions and bowl in the good areas. "They have to back their own skills and instead of trying to take wickets from both ends if they one bowlers can play the support role well then it will lead to wickets. To bowl patiently and on spot is crucial to success.



"It is a great opportunity for the bowlers to prove that we can take 20 wickets in a Test match consistently, like we had done in South Africa. Nobody expected us to take 20 wickets in all three Test matches. At the same time, they should not put extra pressure on themselves and they should just look to enjoy the moment. They need to back themselves and believe that our bowling unit is the best in the world," Rahane said.

Not only Ajinkya Rahane, England's former captain and opener Alastair Cook also has praised India's pacers in pre series press conference.

"They seem to have got a good variety of bowlers - pace bowlers, which is probably unusual, and strength in depth in their pace bowling." Cook said.

However, there could be the selection headache for skipper Virat Kohli ahead of the first Test in the absence of Bhuvenshwar Kumar (at least for the first three Tests) and Bumrah (at least for the first). Bhuvneshwar Kumar was the man of the series in 2014 and despite been good pacers, his absence could hurt India in the first three matches.

The five-match series will kick-start from August 1.

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