Former Australian pacer Brett Lee has shared his thoughts on India’s bowling performance in the ongoing Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), emphasizing the team’s ability to step up in the absence of their star bowler, Jasprit Bumrah. India’s bowling lineup, led by Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, and Nitish Kumar Reddy, delivered a commendable performance in the first innings, giving hope to the team and fans despite Bumrah’s fitness concerns.
Reddy Steps Up in Crucial Moments
One of the talking points of India’s campaign in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy has been the lack of consistent support for Bumrah from the third and fourth seamers. However, Nitish Kumar Reddy silenced critics with his impactful spell, which included the key dismissals of Australian skipper Pat Cummins and all-rounder Mitchell Starc.
Reddy’s performance proved crucial as Bumrah had to leave the field during Australia’s first innings due to back spasms. Brett Lee, speaking to Fox Cricket after the day’s play, lauded Reddy for stepping up under pressure.
“I was really happy to see Nitish Reddy step in and deliver those two crucial wickets just as Bumrah had to leave for a scan,” said Lee.
Concerns Over Bumrah’s Fitness
India faces a nervous wait regarding Bumrah’s availability, as his back spasms could potentially limit his contribution in the remainder of the match. His absence would be a significant blow, given his role as India’s enforcer throughout the high-stakes five-match series.
Collective Effort: The Key to Success
Despite Bumrah’s uncertain status, Lee expressed confidence in the rest of India’s bowling attack. Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna bagged three wickets each in the first innings, helping India maintain a narrow lead. Lee believes this collective effort could turn the tide in India’s favor, even if they’re defending a modest target.
“I think this pace attack can deliver. Losing Bumrah makes it tougher, but sometimes, when the lead bowler is unavailable, the rest of the unit rises to the occasion. We’ve seen it before, like during the famous Gabba Test in 2021,” Lee said, referring to India’s historic win with a makeshift bowling lineup.
A Spicy Pitch Offers Hope
Lee also highlighted the SCG pitch as a positive factor for India’s bowlers. The surface has offered plenty of assistance to pacers, which could keep India in the game despite their relatively small second-innings lead of 145 runs with only four wickets in hand.
“This wicket has enough spice to help the bowlers. It can go either way – India’s attack could crumble, or they could replicate their first-innings effort and deliver under pressure. I believe they’ll step up on this surface,” Lee concluded.
With India banking on the combined efforts of Siraj, Krishna, and Reddy, the second innings promises to be a thrilling contest as the visitors aim to maintain their lead and secure a memorable victory.
