Managing the Pace Pool Key for Long Test Series in Australia: Bharat Arun
With only two ODIs remaining on India's tour of Sri Lanka, the focus will soon shift to the longest format. The Men in Blue will be playing a total of ten Tests — five at home and five away — in the next six months. While the three Tests against New Zealand and the two-match series against Bangladesh at home pose less concern, the tour of Australia, where India will play five consecutive Tests, could prove to be a challenging endeavor. Adding to the pressure for Rohit Sharma and head coach Gautam Gambhir is the fact that India has triumphed in the last two Test tours Down Under.
The Importance of a Large Pace Pool
One of the crucial aspects India will need to address is the pool of pacers for the Australian tour, which will last almost two months. Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Mohammed Shami form the core of India's frontline pacers, with others rotating in and out based on the workload of this trio. Since the 2021 tour to Australia, where India utilized seven pacers in four matches, including two debutants, only three fast bowlers have made their Test debuts: Akash Deep, Prasidh Krishna, and Mukesh Kumar. Adding to the mix are players like Avesh Khan, the recent Indian Premier League sensation Mayank Yadav, and the white-ball star Arshdeep Singh.
A Dozen Bowlers Needed for Australia
Bharat Arun, who was instrumental during India's victorious tours Down Under, believes that India will need a substantial pool of at least ten pacers for the Test series against Australia. "We have a healthy pool. We always had good fast bowlers, but I think how we manage them is even more important," Arun stated on the sidelines of the Yanam Royals jersey launch event in Chennai on Saturday.
"If you are going to play five Test matches in Australia, you need at least six bowlers. Maybe three or four would be playing in the game, but then to keep them fresh for five Tests, you need to rotate among six bowlers. So to have six bowlers, you must work with 10 bowlers or a dozen bowlers. So is that being done? I think BCCI has a policy in place. They're calling all fast bowlers to work at the National Cricket Academy. So if that is happening, I think it's fantastic," he added.
Potential and Preparation
Arun acknowledges the potential of players like Mayank, Avesh, and even Arshdeep, but emphasizes the importance of their readiness for the challenges ahead. "Apart from those who are playing for India, you do have a good pool of bowlers who could really come to the party when it matters most. But how prepared are they? That's going to be the biggest challenge. Mentally, physically, and even tactically. They have the potential we need to prepare for that," said the Kolkata Knight Riders bowling coach.
Consistency Under Pressure
When asked about the key factor for success in a long Test series, Arun highlighted the crucial role of consistency in tough situations. "There will be tough situations in Australia, England, and South Africa. When you tour, it's not going to be easy, but under duress, how confident you are about your abilities. That's a huge ask. It's easier said than done. But I think how confident they are and how consistent they are would be the key to India doing well in Australia," he concluded.
A Winning Formula for the Future
India's recent successes in Australia, coupled with the emergence of new talent, have created a positive outlook for the team. However, managing the workload of their fast bowlers will be crucial for long-term success. Arun's emphasis on a large pool of bowlers for the Australian tour highlights the importance of proactive planning and strategic management to ensure India's dominance in the Test arena.
