India went into the series with a depleted pace attack, but inexperienced Shami Ahmed and Bhuvneshwar Kumar have surprised everyone with the way the greenhorns have not only handled pressure, but have also managed to trouble the English batsmen.
Both are new entities in international cricket and Bell said that the team management even watched the India-Pakistan ODI series to get to know them better.
"We watched their matches but it's different to face the bowlers in the middle. Both have been fantastic with the new ball and have made us struggle for the entire duration of the match," said Bell.
The form of the pacers has also allowed India skipper, MS Dhoni, to keep much experienced Ishant Sharma for the middle overs. While Bhuvneshwar dented the England chase in the second ODI, accounting for Alastair Cook, Eoin Morgan and Kevin Pietersen, Shami snared Ian Bell, effectively accounting for the visitors' middle order. In the third ODI at Ranchi, Shami picked up Cook, while Bhuvnesh provided the early breakthrough with Bell's wicket.
{{/usCountry}}The form of the pacers has also allowed India skipper, MS Dhoni, to keep much experienced Ishant Sharma for the middle overs. While Bhuvneshwar dented the England chase in the second ODI, accounting for Alastair Cook, Eoin Morgan and Kevin Pietersen, Shami snared Ian Bell, effectively accounting for the visitors' middle order. In the third ODI at Ranchi, Shami picked up Cook, while Bhuvnesh provided the early breakthrough with Bell's wicket.
{{/usCountry}}"They have fantastic bowling skills. They swing the ball both ways, they have made us work hard for our runs," said Bell.
Bell also said even Ravindra Jadeja has been the one to watch out for. "He is an excellent all-rounder and has managed to pick wickets in the middle overs. You can say he is the one with the golden arm. We know he is a good bowler, but we will have to play him a lot better in the coming matches," the England opener added.