India have an even-money chance of beating England on their home turf: Ian Chappell

In the showpiece event of the inaugural final of the World Test Championship the cricketing fraternity saw the fire of Virat Kohli up against the calm of Kane Williamson. Being the first event of its kind, all the cricket on-lookers were pumped up to watch the action unfold at Southampton. New Zealand though exuded some great performances in the match and were crowned as the champions.

As the Indian batters seemed to struggle against the pacers of the opposition they quite couldn’t have the hold of the game. On the other hand, the Indian bowling unit too came into the highlight as except for Mohammed Shami no other speedster could reap great rewards. As the Indian team is now all set to commence their World Test Championship 2021-2023 cycle with a 5-Test series against England in August, the chat on the fast bowling of India is yet again into talks.

However, the former Australia skipper Ian Chappell believes that India possesses a good pace bowling unit and has fair chances to dominate the hosts in the upcoming Test matches. In his column for ESPNcricinfo, Chappell wrote, “In recent years India has joined the ranks of pace-bowling proficient teams. As a consequence, they have enjoyed success in Australia, reached the final of the WTC, and now have an even-money chance of beating England on their home turf. Good pace bowling definitely has its advantages.”

Ian Chappell praises the Kiwi’s bowling unit

Talking about New Zealand’s bowlers, Chappell said that the pacers led their team to the WTC final victory and that they deserved the win. “New Zealand’s well-deserved win in the World Test Championship final highlighted an accepted adage in cricket: fast bowling rules. New Zealand’s pace quartet – Tim Southee, Trent Boult, Neil Wagner, and Kyle Jamieson made possible their presence in the final. Then in the prolonged battle with India for supremacy, the quick bowlers led the last-day victory charge.”

Ian Chappell also opined that though Kyle Jamieson has been exceptional for New Zealand with the ball statistically, Tim Southee stands out as the spearhead of the attack. “Statistically the leader of New Zealand’s group is undoubtedly Jamieson, with 28 wickets at the uncovered-pitches-average of 12.07 in these five Tests. However, experience-wise, it’s swing bowler Southee who leads the way.”