Bhuvi can be a great asset for the team on South African wickets, says Javagal Srinath

FORMER INDIA PACEMAN Javagal Srinath has stated that the current side can get the results unforeseen on the South African tracks as they have an impressive fast bowling combination.

Srinath also vouched for Bhuvneshwar Kumar to lead the side’s bowling unit. The Virat Kohli-led side will take on SA in the opening Test at Cape Town on January 5. Speaking during an interview with Cricbuzz, Srinath said,

“This is the best fast bowling combination in India at the moment. I go by what I’ve seen in the last one-and-a-half years. I strongly feel Bhuvneshwar (Kumar) will be the strike bowler – or at least he should be treated like one. He should be used economically and in short spells. Over the past few months, he has been outstanding.”

The 48-year old said that Bhuvi can be a great asset on the overseas wickets, due to his ability to swing both ways with alarming pace.

“Bhuvneshwar swings the ball both ways and at (an) alarming pace. With the kind of pace he gets, he can be a great asset for the team on South African wickets which usually have bounce and carry.”

However, Srinath added that the team will have to get used to the red ball as quickly as possible to inflict damage on the hosts.

“The bowlers are champions with the white Kookaburra ball, but the red ball is very different. They have to get used to it as soon as possible. Winning these Test matches will depend a lot on how quickly they get used to the ball and how well they read local conditions. There has to be a minor adjustment in the way they pitch the ball.”

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