#IndiaInAustralia: SA skipper backs Indian pacers to shine Down Under
The Indian cricket team's pace attack is lethal. In 2018, the pacers in the Virat Kohli-led squad have been nothing short of being world class. They shined in South Africa despite a 1-2 loss for India. The decent work continued in England as well. And now, Proteas skipper Faf du Plessis has backed the Indian pacers to deliver the goods against Australia.
Faf in awe of Indian pace bowlers
In an interview to cricket.com.au, Faf felt that India can pose a challenge to Australia with their pace bowling line-up. "For the first time I think India has a pace attack to challenge teams around the world, or away from their own conditions." He added, "They've got three or four seamers in their squad that can bowl 140(kph)-plus and are very good bowlers."
India's pace attack was best they've had: Faf recalls series
"Now they've got three or four. And when they travelled in South Africa (earlier this year), we felt like that was the best pace (attack) that they've had. They had a very, very good three-match Test series, which we won 2-1," said the SA skipper.
Shami-led Indian pace attack had thrived in South Africa
Mohammed Shami has been the leader of the pace attack for India. He is India's leading wicket-taker in Tests this year (33). Shami finished with 15 scalps in South Africa. He was well supported by Jasprit Bumrah (14). The Indian pace attack took 47 wickets in South Africa in three Tests. All-rounder Hardik Pandya took another three.
Ishant & Co. foxed English batsmen
The good work by pacers continued against England. India went on to lose the series 1-4, but once again the pace bowlers drew praise. Ishant was terrific in England with 18 scalps to his name. Shami and JB joined the lanky pacer with 30 wickets between them. Therefore, we can expect plenty of fireworks from Indian pacers in the upcoming Test series.
In absence of Smith & Warner, Indian pacers look confident
Australia look weakened in the absence of banned cricketers Steve Smith and David Warner. These two were the top scorers for Australia against the Indians in the last series. In 2017-18 Ashes, the pair dominated the bowlers. India will believe they have a chance to hurt Aussies. In essence, a lot will depend on the performance of Indian pacers.
