Shahdul Thakur replaced Umran Malik in the first ODI, adding ‘depth’ to India’s batting, but the Jammu and Kashmir speedster remains home in plans for this year’s ODI World Cup. bowling coach Paras told Mhambrey on Friday.
Mhambrey said both Thakur and Malik bring value to the team in different ways.
“That (hitting) is one of the reasons why we chose him (Thakur). It gives depth to shots. You have to look at the surface and decide your combinations accordingly. He did well in India,” Mumbry said in a media exchange ahead of the second ODI.
Mhambrey said of Malik:
“It is very encouraging to see how he has developed. Tempo is important and adds another dimension to the attack. It depends on your combination needs.
“He’s very much on the same page when it comes to the World Cup. Jasprit Bumra has missed the team with a back problem, and Mhambrey said the team missed his service.
“Bumra is a unique bowler and irreplaceable. Let’s accept that fact. His skill is very difficult to replicate. The order page gives us the opportunity to test others at this level.” Yes, we are going to reveal what they bring and how they are coping with the pressure.”
When asked about Mohammed Siraj, he praised Hyderabad’s pacemakers. “I watched him from the India A set-up. He did very well with the red ball. He used to bring the ball in, but he works on the seam position to keep the ball away. Not only has he been a very important team member since then, but the bowling coach said the team has discussed the issue at length. “When you score 350 points on such a surface you expect a partnership from the other side. The Santner is a practical one.The Batsman too.
“The important thing is to win the game and it can be tested. We need to test the players we have named.” Mhambrey added that the early start of the ODI World Cup home games is something the ICC can investigate. “Ashwin made a valid point: Tau plays a role in several places, depending on when and where you play. As the ball gets older, it really tends to list.
“There is no spin and it is easy to hit. That’s what we can pursue. The ICC and other members must take this forward.