Mohammed Shami can produce wicket-taking balls on flattest of wickets: Ajit Agarkar

Former Indian fast bowler Ajit Agarkar has heaped praise on India’s fast bowling unit, which has taken giant strides in the last few years.

Agarkar said that Mohammed Shami can produce wicket-taking balls on the flattest of wickets as he is mostly right on the money.

Shami is known for his upright seam position and he has got a smooth action. The right-arm fast bowler has been consistent in all the conditions and he has delivered for the team.

Shami can get the ball to move away from the right-handers and he has breathed down the neck of the opposition batsmen. The 30-year-old has scalped 191 wickets in 53 Test matches at an impressive average of 27.65.

On the other hand, Mohammed Siraj has impressed in his young career as he has bowled in the right areas. Jasprit Bumrah has troubled the opposition batsmen with his pace and awkward action as it is not easy to pick him up. Furthermore, Ishant Sharma has all the experience under his belt and he is certainly the most improved fast bowler in the world.

Thus, the Indian pace battery has hunted like a pack and they have come up with a collective effort.

“Shami can bowl on the flattest of the pitches and still produce wicket-taking balls,” Agarkar said in a select media interaction felicitated by Sony Sports Network ahead of the third India-England Test.

“India’s fast bowlers have been sensational. Shardul was good in the first Test. He missed out on the second Test. Ishant came in and got important wickets. The good thing about the attack is the variety that they have. Bumrah is a little different, quite unique because of his action. Siraj can run in all day and he’s got great skills. Ishant provides you something different with his height,” Agarkar said.

There is no doubt that the current Indian fast bowling unit is one of the best in the team’s history. Agarkar feels Kohli is very lucky as a captain to have a potent bowling attack.

“Virat Kohli has been lucky that there is variety in the attack, which makes the batsmen’s job a bit more challenging in these conditions,” he added.

The third Test match between India and England will be played from August 25 at Headingley, Leeds.