Chaminda Vaas hails the Indian pace quartet as the best in the world

As Team India gear up for the Champions Trophy scheduled to start in less than a fortnight’s time, their rival teams won’t be only concerned with their star-studded batting line-up as they also boast of a quality bowling attack who can decimate any batting line-up on their given day. Especially with guys like Mohammed Shami, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah and Umesh Yadav in their ranks, it will be a tough ask for the captain and the team management to decide on a final playing XI.

Former Sri Lankan pace bowling legend Chaminda Vaas who was arguably the greatest Sri Lankan fast bowler during his hey days hailed the Indian pace quartet as the best fast bowling group in the world at the moment. He emphasised on their training and fitness and also lauded them for improving each and every game.

“The main thing is fitness level. They are strong, bowling quick, learning fast from their games and are very consistent. I think this is the best group of fast bowlers in the world. India will produce more such fast bowlers as they play more matches in IPL and other tournaments,” Vaas was quoted as saying by the Hindustan Times during the sidelines of a short coaching stint.

The former left-arm pacer also had a few words of praise for Jasprit Bumrah who is currently getting valuable inputs from none other than Slinga Malinga. “I am sure whatever Malinga or Shane Bond (MI bowling coach) will tell him (Bumrah), he will implement. The best part is that he is giving his 100% which is important. He is improving day-by-day which is crucial for a fast bowler. He is doing well with the advice he is getting. He is doing a wonderful job at the moment,” Vaas said.

Malinga will come back strongly in CT

Malinga had a pretty ordinary IPL this season so far bagging just 10 wickets from 10 games at an unimpressive economy rate of more than 9 runs per over. It I strange considering the fact Malinga is one of the best death bowlers in the world. Despite his torrid time, Vaas is hopeful that Malinga will make a strong comeback in the Sri Lanka colours for the upcoming Champions Trophy.

“He is coming back from an injury (Malinga was out of competitive cricket since missing the last IPL due to a knee injury). He has not bowled for a year. When you don’t bowl for so long, it becomes difficult as fast bowling is all about fitness. He is someone who will always give his 100%. He practices hard, bowls plenty of balls in the nets to get his rhythm back. He may be on and off, but I am sure he will get his rhythm back and do well in the Champions Trophy,” Vaas said.

England and New Zealand will have a good chance

Vaas was reluctant to pick a favourite but conceded teams like England and New Zealand will have good chance to go with an Asian nation. “In June it will be cold and the wickets would be fresh. So, I think the bowlers will hold the key. If I have to give my observation, it would be England, New Zealand and one of the teams from the subcontinent,” Vaas signed off.