Oz coach Harris in awe of India
Former fast bowler says Rahul Dravidcoached side starts favourites in Saturday’s final at Mt Maunganui
MOUNTMAUNGANUI:A highlight of India’s campaign in the U-19 World Cup in New Zealand has been the emergence of young fast bowlers. Kamlesh Nagarkoti and Shivam Mavi consistently bowling at 140-145 kph has thrilled Indian fans while sending shivers down the spine of the opposition.
Such has been the impact of these rookie speedsters that even Australian players, who grow up playing fast bowling, seem to be wary of facing them in Saturday’s final. Former Australia fast bowler Ryan Harris, the Australia U-19 coach, acknowledged on Thursday the enormity of the challenge his players will face dealing with Indian fast bowlers in the final.
Talking to Cricket Australia, the 38-year-old was effusive in his praise for the young India pacers saying he is pleased to see such good fast bowlers coming from a land famous for producing spinners. “It’s great to be talking about India and not talking about spin. Seeing these guys, they have got some really good bowlers. They bowl with good pace, beautiful actions. It is fantastic to see good young fast bowlers coming from India.
“It’s a challenge for our guys. These guys weren’t facing too many guys bowling consistently at 135-140 kph so it’s a great challenge for us. The Indian attack is very good. We need to play them well,” he said.
Harris is also wary of the threat the Indian batting poses. He admitted his team will have to run through the Indian top order so that they can put pressure on the middle and lower-order, which hasn’t had much to do in this tournament.
“India are playing good cricket. Their batting is strong at the top. But their lower order has not been exposed. Our job is to get through those top-order players and put pressure on the middle or lower order that has remained unexposed so far.
“But this strategy can go against you as well. The way they are playing, their top order is getting the job done. It’s not going to be easy, but that is what we need to try.”
Harris said India have not been challenged so far and that is something Australia can look at when they clash on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Cyclone Fehi lashed New Zealand on Thursday. India and Australia could not train due to inclement weather.