IndiaA dominant 280-run win against Bangladesh in the Chennai Test sent a strong message to Australia ahead of the much-anticipated contest. Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 later this year.
In the first Test, Ravichandran Ashwin showed his all-round skills by scoring a decisive century and six wickets. jasprit bumrah Led the pace bowling attack in Chennai with five wickets.
On the other hand, Shubman Gill and Rishabh pants took center stage with brilliant centuries and Ashwin contributed further by taking six wickets to secure a big win for the hosts in the first Test to take a 1-0 lead in the ongoing two-match Test series against Bangladesh.
Ian Chappell highlights fitness of Jasprit Bumrah and Rishabh Pant as key to India’s success in Australia
After the Chennai Test, legendary Australian cricketer Ian Chappell highlighted the importance of Pant and Bumrah as they hope to secure a hat-trick of Test series winners in Australia later this year.
According to the former Australia captain, the focus of the visiting teams should be to get as many players fit as possible while ensuring that key players like Bumrah and Pant remain fit.
Ian Chappell wrote in a column for ESPNCricinfo: “India’s main objective should be to get as many players into shape as possible while avoiding major injuries. However, the focus should be on ensuring the fitness of Jasprit Bumrah and Rishabh Pant.
The legendary cricketer also highlighted Pant’s crucial role as a wicketkeeper in the upcoming five-match Test series in Australia, especially in tough conditions.
If Pant is at his best, he is the ideal wicket-keeper for the Australian tour: Chappell
Chappell said the right-hander would be an ideal choice for wicketkeeper in the much-anticipated tour of Australia, but only if he does his best for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.
He added that “At his best, Pant is an ideal wicketkeeper for these conditions. A goalkeeper has to cover a lot of ground on both sides of the goal. A goalkeeper who meets these requirements not only strengthens the team’s pitch, but also allows the sliding pitches to spread out and cover more ground.”
Chappell later credited former coach Ravi Shastri for Pant’s improved skills behind the stumps. Furthermore, the cricket pundit insisted that the fitness of pacers Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah will be crucial for Team India.
Chappell highlights importance of Bumrah, Siraj for India’s hat-trick bid in Australia
The Australian great noted that Siraj, along with Bumrah, played a key role during India’s last two back-to-back Test series wins in Australia. With Jasprit Bumrah leading the bowling attack, he should remain in top form and form throughout the much-anticipated five-match Test series in Australia.
Chappell signed off by saying: “The form and form of both Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj – two excellent pace bowlers from the recent Australian tour – is crucial. Bumrah leads the attack and it is important that he remains fit and in shape for the bulk of the five Tests.”
