AUS vs IND 2018-19: Third pace bowling option remains a worry for India, says Sunil Gavaskar

Both Khaleel Ahmed and Mohammed Siraj have struggled so far.

Siraj returned with match figures of 0/76 on his ODI debut | Getty

Sunil Gavaskar is concerned over fast bowling support to India's main duo of Bhuveshwar Kumar and Mohammad Shami before the all-important series decider at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Friday, January 18. 

With Jasprit Bumrah rested for the limited overs Trans-Tasman tour, various options have been tested in the last couple of games. 

While Shami has done his reputation no harm, young pacers Khaleel Ahmed and Mohammed Siraj have lacked the control and consistency one requires at the highest level. India will be delighted then with the return to form for Bhuvneshwar in Adelaide. 

"The only problem in the bowling department in this series is India's third pacer. In the first ODI, Khaleel Ahmed was expensive and in the second ODI Mohammed Siraj gave away too many runs. That is the only area of concern," Gavaskar told India Today.

"India's batting is good, fielding is also good. Melbourne is a big ground, India may play only two seamers and three spinners. Yuzvendra Chahal can be given a chance in Melbourne."

Legendary batsman also reckons that the win in Adelaide must have boosted the confidence of this team a lot especially with everything to gain in the third ODI. 

"A victory is a victory whether it is 3-0 or 2-1. Winning a series is more important. The way India bounced back in the Test series after losing in Perth in the same way India bounced back in Adelaide after losing the first ODI in Sydney. This victory will give India more confidence going into the Melbourne ODI for the series decider," Gavaskar concluded. 

 
 

By Kashish Chadha - 17 Jan, 2019

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