2019 World Cup: Rating the bowling of major teams
The ICC World Cup 2019 is set to start from May 30 onwards. The pitches in England are expected to assist bowlers, especially pacers and all the major teams have some match-winning players at their disposal. From Jasprit Bumrah to Kagiso Rabada, bowlers are expected to dictate the show. Here we rate the bowling firepower of SENA countries, along with India and Pakistan.
Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal are the two main spinners for India. Ravindra Jadeja adds depth as the spin-bowling all-rounder. The Indian cricket team has gone with a three-man pace attack. Jasprit Bumrah leads the quartet with Mohammed Shami and Bhuvneshwar Kumar adding vital experience. Hardik Pandya's responsibility will be immense as the fourth pacer. India have quality resources, but fitness will be key.
England have variety in bowling. Left-arm pacer David Willey is a strong personality. The experienced Liam Plunkett is the main force to be reckoned with. Tom Curran and Mark Wood have been consistent. England get depth with all-rounders Ben Stokes and Chris Woakes adding substance. Adil Rashid holds the key in spin, with Moeen Ali and Joe Denly providing the support.
Australia have gone in with a bowling-heavy attack. There are five main speedsters in the side. Mitchell Starc is their star bowler, who leads the attack. Pat Cummins, Jason Behrendorff are strong names. Nathan Coulter-Nile and Kane Richardson add depth. Marcus Stoinis is the pace-bowling all-rounder. Adam Zampa is a quality spinner. Nathan Lyon and Glenn Maxwell are two experienced names as well.
New Zealand's pace department, in particular, is loaded with variety. Tim Southee and Trent Boult would lead the show. Boult will relish bowling in the conditions on offer. Lockie Ferguson can be costly, Matt Henry is a decent fit. Jimmy Neesham and Colin de Grandhomme are solid all-rounders and will be influential. Ish Sodhi and Mitchell Santner provide quality in the spin department.
South Africa can dictate the show with their quality bowling on offer. Kagiso Rabada is a superstar and a lot will revolve around him. Dale Steyn is bowling with a lot of zeal. Lungi Ngidi is a promising youngster. In-form Imran Tahir is their main spinner. Tabraiz Shamsi is the second spin option. All-rounders Chris Morris, Dwaine Pretorius and Andile Phehlukwayo offer pace-bowling options.
Pakistan will depend on ace spinner Shadab Khan. Hasan Ali, Junaid Khan and Shaheen Afridi are quality pacers. Shaheen in particular can generate the pace and bounce with his energy. Teenager Mohammad Hasnain can be a surprise package. Faheem Ashraf can contribute as a bowling all-rounder. Left-arm spin all-rounder Imad Wasim could be highly substantial. Malik and Hafeez could be called upon at times.
