Siraj is probably one of the most dangerous bowlers in world cricket – Bharat Arun

As India gear up for their tour to Australia later this year, a few questions are definitely around the corner about India’s pace attack. With Mohammed Shami still to return from injury, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj will be the ideal ones to spearhead the Indian pace battery. However, former Indian bowling coach, Bharat Arun, believes that India should start scanning out new options.

Talking to Indian Express about India’s bowling options, Arun said, “It's a question of identifying the right ones and giving them opportunities to be ready for the Australian trip. There are lots of bowlers who hit 140-150 kph in the IPL. So it is about nurturing and giving them the right exposure.”

He further added, “There must be a first time. Red ball cricket is something these bowlers must get used to. We have time but we need to prepare by giving them enough overs under their belt.”

Arun further underlined the importance of playing red-ball cricket in India. With the surfaces in the Indian sub-continent being usually flat, as a bowler, one has to come forth with different techniques in order to challenge the batters. Arun believes that it is red-ball cricket in India that has helped Shami and Siraj to take centerstage away from home, especially when the ball is moving around.

He said, “Bowling in first-class cricket, you bowl on unresponsive pitches. You have to come out with some guile or you would need to learn how to reverse the ball because of the conditions that exist in our country. I think it helped Siraj and Shami a great deal. That's why when the conditions are right and the ball is reversing, Siraj is probably one of the most dangerous bowlers in world cricket.”