India’s roster for the T20 World Cup looks “a bit risky” as they are likely to be “short on pace” for the bouncy fields Down Under, says former Australian speedster Mitchell Johnson. The skilled Mohammed Shami has been kept on standby, which has surprised a few experts of the game as Indian selectors continued to maintain confidence in the quartet led by Jasprit Bumrah with Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Harshal Patel and Arshdeep Singh in the ranks. “If you have an all-rounder (fast bowling) and a couple of spinners, four fast bowlers, it’s a bit of a risk. But India is probably looking at playing two pacers and an all-rounder (Hardik Pandya) and two spinners.” Johnson, who is in India to compete in Legends League Cricket, told PTI.
“In Australia you definitely have to play three fast bowlers, possibly four under certain circumstances, for example Perth. I think they have a plan, but it’s a bit of a risk if you only take four (pacers)”, the former left arm tearaway quickly said.
In the Indian lineup, only Bumrah is the man who can consistently clock up 140 clicks, but pace can’t be the sole criterion to form a powerful bowling unit, Johnson opined.
In the recently held Asia Cup in the UAE, India was criticized for their bowling depth (or lack thereof) in the absence of Bumrah, while Pakistan boasted of bowlers rattling the batters with their fast pace.
Johnson, however, finds the emphasis on pace “funny.”
“Things like that are funny (all that should be bowling at 145 plus). If someone can bowl 145 plus, you don’t need another guy bowling at the same pace. You need guys who support each other, work together.”
He then quoted how Ryan Harris and Peter Siddle, two fast medium-seam bowlers, complemented him during the 2013-14 Ashes, where England were literally thrashed.
“During the 2013/14 Ashes there was a lot of talk about bowling fast and that was great, but then again I had Peter Siddle and Ryan Harris who had their own strengths and could hit 140s too. So it’s all about the balance in the team.
“The most important thing in Australia is the extra bounce and the pace and adjusting your height. You can get carried away and bowl a little too short.”
Warner or Smith should not be Australia captain
Aaron Finch’s retirement from ODI’s has sparked intense debate over his successor.
David Warner, who was given a lifelong leadership suspension for his role in the 2018 ball-babble scandal, has expressed a strong desire to lead Australia, while Steve Smith, who was given a two-year captaincy ban following the South Africa incident, is another option.
However, Johnson feels that both players are at the end of their careers and therefore the team should have a younger leader.
“Pat Cummins (Test Skipper) may not be able to do all formats. It may be too much work for him, but then I look and see who is available.
“The selectors have someone in mind, maybe Glenn Maxwell. Cameron Green will also be a good choice if you are looking to the future, but there is already a heavy workload for him as an all-rounder. Travis Head is there, but he needs to be more consistent to be.
“Both Warner and Smith shouldn’t be captains. It doesn’t matter if they’re advisors to the team they already are. I don’t see why this should be brought up all over again, it’s bringing back the old stuff (the scandal )….”
“They are also at the end of their career, so it should be someone who has more time in the game.”
On the growth of domestic T20 competitions around the world
Johnson ended the conversation with his thoughts on the debate over the burgeoning T20 leagues and international cricket. Players give up national contracts to play in leagues around the world.
“When I first heard about all this, the emotions came up, you think about loyalty to your country and things like that, but the game has changed, players change,” he said, referring to Trent Boult’s decision to leave his position. central contract with New York. Zealand.
“There are many leagues around, players have to be smart in what they play in. There will also be a burnout in T20 leagues. I prefer to be more traditional, players who want to play for their country, but I understand the need to also earn a living. It’s a concern for the future,” said the left-arm pacer.
promoted
In India for Legends League Cricket, Johnson is excited about overtaking his rivals from around the world.
“I’ll be here tomorrow. I never wanted to play again after I retired and bowling again isn’t a given (after you’re done), but it’s exciting to meet all the players you played with and against,” he added up.
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