CHENNAI:Australia great Glenn McGrath has backed India’s batsmen to combat the threat posed by James Anderson & Co in the five-match Test series that begins in Birmingham on August 1.Speaking to reporters at MRF Pace Foundation, McGrath called for India to play patiently. “It is the key to success in Tests. If it is a five-Test rubber then one needs all the more patience. A couple of sessions may not be fruitful, but the final one can be productive.”
McGrath said if Umesh Yadav, Mohammed Shami and Shardul Thakur can step up in the absence of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah, India can make life difficult for the hosts. “I think India started off well in the T20s and ODIs. Their depth in batting is their strength. Without key bowlers, it will be a bit tough. If the replacements can take wickets, it will be good.’’
Though James Anderson and Stuart Broad are not in the best of form and are returning after minor injuries, McGrath said the pair will be lethal in their own conditions. “England’s strength is with Anderson, Broad and Co. Anderson in conditions where the ball is swinging is as tough as anyone to face in world cricket. He is going to be a big player in the series. If India can get on top of him, that is going to make a big difference for them.”
McGrath feels that it is time that Ishant Sharma puts his experience to effective use. He believes that the pacer — fresh from his county stint with Sussex — can be banked upon to do the tough job.“Ishant has got a lot of experience. And that sort of makes a big difference when you know how to take wickets. He is not probably bowling as quick as when he first started. Have to see if he has the same wicket-taking potential that he had.’’
McGrath also opined it would be an important series for India captain Virat Kohli, who struggled in England four years ago.“He is a quality player, a class act. He has got all the shots. It is time he can show that he can score runs in English conditions too. It is a little bit tougher with the ball moving around. If he can adapt and adjust to the conditions, he can score runs.”
ashok.v@newindianexpress.com