Former Australian fast bowler Glenn McGrath claimed that the Indian team will have to overcome challenges posed by the seaming conditions if they have to emerge victorious in England. The 48-year-old veteran bowler had also identified England pacer James Anderson as the primary weapon for the hosts.
"Anderson is going to be a big player. It is how the Indian batsmen face his swing and bowling in English conditions. If they can get on top of Anderson, that is going to make a big difference for them. I think for them he is definitely going to be the key," McGrath told reporters.
'Batting remains India's strength'
McGrath praised the Indian bowlers and said that they have been impressive in the recent past. He added that it is, however, the batting that remains the strength of the visitors. He also addressed the injury to Indian fast bowlers Jasprit Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar Kumar and said that the bowlers replacing them are capable enough to help the team on the bowling front.
"In recent times they have been bowling really well. Injuries do happen, it is going to make it a little tougher. But their strength is their batting," he added.
Speaking about the spinners, the fast bowling legend said that even though spinners enjoy bowling in England, the form and performance of the fast bowlers still holds the key.
"Spinners have done well for India. Shane Warne loved bowling there. He always said if it seamed, it will turn. In English conditions, it does seam a bit and Warne has had success there. India is going to need their bowlers, their spinners firing if they have to win the series," McGrath said.
In the absence of Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar, Ishant Sharma will need to step up and lead the pace attack and McGrath stated that the lanky pacer has enough experience to take up the challenge.
"He is not probably bowling as quick as when he first started. Have to see if he has the same wicket-taking potential as what he had when he first started. Yadav has got a bit of pace. They need him for the whole series," the New South Welshman said.
While speaking about Virat Kohli, McGrath said being the quality player that he is, it was time Kohli showed the world that he can score runs in England too -- the same way he has done all around the world.
