Australia vs India: Irfan Pathan points out the missing link in the visitors’ pace attack

Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan lauded that the current pace attack, saying that it’s top quality and is world-class as well. However, the veteran also stated that the Australian fast bowling unit has an X-factor in the form of Mitchell Starc, who he reckons, could end up making a difference.

Pathan feels that the presence of a left-arm fast bowler gives the Australian pace unit an edge over the Indian pacers. As per Pathan, the left-arm angle created by Starc could turn out to be a challenging prospect for the Indian batsmen on the bouncy pitches.

A left-arm pace bowler provides variety, says Irfan Pathan

“There is no doubt that the two teams are evenly matched when it comes to the quality of pace bowling. India have a top-quality, world-class bowling line-up. But I think Australia will have a slight advantage as they are playing at home and they have a left-arm bowler in Mitchell Starc.

“A left-arm pace bowler provides variety, also the angle across the right-handed batsman. Though I think the advantage could only be slight, there will be advantage for sure,” Irfan was quoted as saying in News18.

In 57 Tests, Starc has been a revelation, picking up 244 wickets with 13 five-wicket hauls to show for his efforts. However, in the last couple of years or so, he has had to warm the bench quite a few times, due to his injuries and a poor run of form.

At the first-class level, Starc has 413 wickets from 103 games with 20 five-wicket hauls. Starc is no mug with the bat either, having scored 1515 runs with as many as 10 half-centuries. The seamer recently did well in the two games he played for the New South Wales Blues in Adelaide.

India’s tour of Australia gets underway on November 27 with the opening ODI at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground. Thereafter, the three T20Is will take place followed by the four-match Test series, starting December 17 at the Adelaide Oval.

As far as the Indian pace attack is concerned, it consists of the likes of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami and Ishant Sharma, who have collectively done brilliantly for their team over the years.