Looking to serve it steaming hot | Latest News India - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Looking to serve it steaming hot

Hindustan Times | ByFiroz Mirza, Hyderabad
Apr 05, 2013 01:19 AM IST

The end of the Test series against Australia and the start of the Indian Premier League has not just meant a switch from whites into coloured clothing and white balls. The dusty pitches at the four Test venues are also giving way to firm surfaces that will keep the pacers.

The end of the Test series against Australia and the start of the Indian Premier League has not just meant a switch from whites into coloured clothing and white balls. The dusty pitches at the four Test venues are also giving way to firm surfaces that will keep the pacers interested.

The initial signs were provided by Kolkata's Brett Lee, who took a wicket against Delhi with the first delivery of this season, and Mumbai Indians’ Mitchell Johnson, who left Royal Challengers’ Chris Gayle bemused with an unplayable first delivery.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

HOT PACE

The connoisseurs of pace bowling will have plenty more to savour at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on Friday when newcomers Sunrisers Hyderabad take on Pune Warriors India, a contest between teams that have laid heavy emphasis on their new ball attacks.

Sunrisers’ South African Dale Steyn will clearly be the star attraction. In the last IPL season, the world's No one ranked Test bowler returned the best average and economy rate among leading wicket-takers, providing the silver lining in a faltering Deccan Chargers outfit.

Steyn will be supported by Ishant Sharma, who can work up a lively pace and will be very effective if he bowls at his best. The Pune Warriors India come second best in terms of pace but the likes of Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Ashok Dinda, Wayne Parnell and Mitchell Marsh can be equally potent.

ALL GUILE

Although he lacks genuine pace, Bhuvneshwar has made rapid strides in the national team thanks to his ability to move the ball both ways. And his newfound status is sure to be tested.

Adding spice to this battle is the presence of two fast bowling legends in either camp. Former Pakistan great Waqar Younis is the bowling coach for Sunrisers while South African pace legend Allan Donald is Pune's head coach.

Waqar, the master of reverse swing and toe-crushing yorkers, will look to emulate compatriot Wasim Akram, who mentored Kolkata Knight Riders to the crown last year by transforming his bowlers into an effective unit.

The battle-lines have been drawn.

Experience the old-world charm of Delhi through a heritage walk with HT! Participate now.

Get Current Updates on India News along with Latest News and Top Headlines from India and around the world
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Saturday, March 09, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On