Defending champions India will pull off the curtain in 2022 Asia Cup by playing against Pakistan on August 28. However, the men in Blue had suffered a big blow ahead of the high-voltage rivalry. India’s leading pacer Jasprit Bumrah suffered a back injury. Henceforth, he was ruled out of the Asia Cup squad. This however gave an way for the former New Zealand all-rounder Scott Styris to opine on the possible conditions of Indian bowling order. He feels that the Pakistan’s lower middle order batsman are strong enough to tremble India’s bowling attack.
Scott Styris believes that India has been excessively dependent on Bumrah. Henceforth, his absence can shake India’s bowling attack, in the Asia Cup. While speaking with Sports18, the former spinner said Pakistan’s lower-order batters have huge capabilities of playing match-winning knocks.
Styris, on Sports18, said,
“India with their injuries they’ve got at the top and especially the reliability on Bumrah in terms of the ball then you’re under a bit more pressure with other players with ball in hand. So, I’d be a little wary of this Pakistan closing ability. Especially, if they can get that down to say number 8 in their batting order which allows them to continually play with freedom.”
Not only Bumrah, but Shami’s absense too to turn Styris thoughts into reality
Not only Jasprit Bumrah, but also veteran Mohammad shami wont be featuring for India in the Asia Cup. Shami was not named in the squad for the tournament. However, lot of criticisms came after the Indian team management’s decided to book just three pacers in the 15-member Asia Cup squad. The conditions in the United Arab Emirates are said to be favourable for the pacers. Henceforth, the decision of having just three pacers was quite confusing to many former cricketers and experts.
Veteran bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Avesh Khan and Arshdeep Singh are the only three pacers to manage spots in the 15-member Asia Cup squad.
However, Pakistan cricket team, will also be dealing with a massive blow ahead the clash against against India. Pakistan’s star pacer Shaheen Afridi suffered from a knee injury. Henceforth, he got ruled out from the multination tournament. Afridi has suffered the right knee ligament injury in the first Test against Sri Lanka. It was in the last month in Galle.
Shaheen was in outstanding form during the last India-Pakistan clash back in October 2021. He had picked up all three wickets of the top order- this guiding Babar Azam’ side to a convincing 10-wicket victory.
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