Xtra Time Web Desk: Team India vice captain Ajinkya Rahane on Tuesday said the current Indian bowling attack is capable of picking 20 opposition wickets. The Indian fast bowling comprising of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav, Navdeep Saini and Mohammed Siraj might look a tad inexperienced without Ishant Sharma, but they are capable enough of doing well.
“We do have a strong attack. We will miss Ishant, he is a senior fast bowler. But the guys who are here are all experienced and they know how to bowl in these conditions. It is all about bowling in partnerships for us,” said Rahane during a virtual media interaction.
“We all know we did really well last time (in 2018). This is a new series starting with the pink ball, it’s about getting the momentum. We have the attack to get 20 wickets. For us, it’s important to start well and stay in the present. Just focusing on the pink ball Test and then focusing on the remaining matches.”
The Indian team has been in Australia for over a month now. The test players got an opportunity to get used to the pink ball during the three day practice match that took place last week in SCG. Talking about the preparation, Rahane said, “We came here a month before. The quarantine was challenging. Luckily, we got practice sessions that was good. The preparation was really good. We got time this year to practise and plan really well. The two practice matches helped us before the first Test match. We are looking forward to starting well in this series,”
Rahane will lead the remaining three test matches in the absence of Virat Kohli, who will return back to be with his wife Anushka Sharma, who is expecting their first child
On being asked about the extra responsibility, Rahane said, “I believe in staying in the present. Right now, Virat is our captain. We think about this Test match and then after that, when he leaves, we will discuss our plans. For me, it’s about giving my best in this Test match and helping Virat out.”
In every series, it is important to start well and this time, the challenge is different since the series will begin with the pink-ball Test. “Getting used to the conditions is really important and playing as a team is the key,” he said.