Shastri’s opinion suggests that the Australian pacers possess an edge in terms of skill, potency, and overall effectiveness. This perspective highlights the formidable reputation of Australia’s pace bowlers and their ability to pose a significant challenge to the Indian batting lineup during the crucial Test match.
In an event ahead of the World Test Championship final, Shastri said, “If Jasprit Bumrah was there in the Indian squad, I would have said that both bowling attacks are strong. But their (Australian attack) has Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc.”
Bumrah is notably out for the last eight to nine months due to a back injury. In April, Bumrah underwent surgery on his lower back in New Zealand. The medical procedure was successful and helped Bumrah get free from pain. He also missed the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023.
Shastri said that both the teams involved are the best Test teams in the world due to their sheer consistency over the last two years.
Shastri also said that Test cricket needs some superstars and larger-than-life characters to get more people to watch it.
“Absolutely, you need characters, you need personalities. It is not about runs, wickets and averages. You need characters to make people watch the game. I remember coming here in 1981, England was playing its worst cricket, but Ian Botham single-handedly turned the Ashes on its head. It gave a much-needed injection to Test cricket, and the English cricket. He put a lot of people on the seats,” said Shastri.
On his most memorable Test hundreds, Shastri said that his maiden Test hundred against Pakistan was one of his most memorable centuries.
Australia ended at the top of the WTC table with 11 wins, three losses, five draws in 19 matches whereas India ended in second position with 10 wins, five losses and three draws.
(With ANI Inputs)
