India's fast bowling strength will give them hope to win the Australia series: Mike Atherton

Over the years, the Indian bowling force has gone through a drastic change. With the influx of world-class pacers, the Indian bowling unit has reinvented itself from being as a ‘spin-based force’ to a ‘pace bowling unit’.

India was hugely dependent on their spinners for decades. But with the passage of time, the Men in Blue reinforced themselves with many prolific speedsters. Currently, the Virat Kohli-led side boasts the likes of Umesh Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Navdeep Saini and Ishant Sharma in their arsenal. It’s safe to say that these pacers, regardless of the conditions, are capable of steering the team to the triumph.

Former England skipper Mike Atherton also heaped praise on India’s bowling force while saying that it will play a crucial role in their series Down Under. India are slated to tour Australia for a four-Test match series, set to begin at the Gabba in Brisbane from December 3. The second Test will be a Day and Night affair, to be hosted by the Adelaide Oval.

India’s bowling in 1993 was completely spin-based: Mike Atherton

“What really should give India hope Down Under is the strength of the bowling attack. It is very difficult to win in Australia without a strong seam bowling attack,” Atherton said on Sony Network for their show Pit Stop on their Facebook page.

Atherton also pointed out the evolution of India’s fast bowling depth. He even praised Rohit Sharma and Mayank Agarwal and said that the duo will play a crucial role in India’s expeditions Down Under.

“And one of the great things in the last few years about Indian cricket is the sea change in terms of the quality of fast bowlers you have produced. If I go back and think of when I played in India in 1993, it was completely spin-based.

There were good fast bowlers then too but I don’t think the number and depth that you have now…and it shows that teams can change their style and I think going Down Under that would be the biggest reason for hope,” said the 52-year old.

“That top of the order is so important in Australia. Because if you can have a solid successful start there…as soon as that Kookaburra ball loses its shine you can have some lovely batting conditions,” added Atherton.