Chappell praised performance of reserve Indian pacers in the recent Test series in Australia.
Former Australian captain Ian Chappell believes that the Australian bowlers were worn out whereas the Indian bowling department managed to stay fresh even when hampered by injuries in the recent four-match Test series where the hosts lost to India the second time in a row.
“The modern cricketer is substantially better rewarded than players of the previous century. However, like with all such things in life, there is a downside involved. This comes in the form of the numerous adjustments to be made because of the extra formats that are now played and the resultant crowding of the schedule,” Chappell wrote in his column for ESPNcricinfo.
“This was highlighted in the last Australia-India series, where the home side used the same fast-bowling trio in all four Tests,” he added.
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Chappell then pointed out that since the Indian side couldn’t catch a break from injuries, they had to keep making changes and had to bring in different players who were skilled enough to beat this Australian side.
“As the Australian pace bowlers wore down in the final stages of the series, their Indian counterparts may have caught a break as injuries meant they had to constantly change personnel. India is one of the few teams who have enough skilled quick bowlers in reserve to meet the challenges of the schedule and still remain competitive,” the 77-year-old said.
The right-hand batsman then explained the effect of playing cricket before and during the COVID-19 pandemic on fast bowlers.
“The Covid-ravaged world has meant cricketers spend extended periods in bubbles, which challenges their skills and their mental health. t has also resulted in scheduling that has Test matches crammed together, which is physically and mentally demanding, especially for the fast bowlers,” he said.
(With ESPNCricinfo inputs)