‘If He Gets Hurt, It’s Curtains’: Tim Paine Sees Frailities in India’s Bowling Attack For BGT – News18

Last Updated:October 29, 2024, 21:50 IST

The former Australian skipper, Tim Paine suggested that a lot of responsibiliy would be on Bumrah which could cost the side should he get hurt.

The talks have begun off the field as ex-crickters have begun chipping in their two cents on what could go down in the highly-anticipated Border-Gavaskar series beginning in November, next month.

The former Australian skipper, Tim Paine was present in ‘The Grade Cricketer’s Podcast,’ where he shared his take on the quality of the New Zealand side that went on to beat India on Indian soil to end the long-standing dominance which goes back to 12 years.

But Paine suggested that the New Zealand side is not that great when it comes to being a good Test side.

“I know this will upset them and I did upset them when they came to Australia, I remember a few years ago when he played them as the second-ranked Test team. The short answer would be no, they’re not very good,” Paine shared.

However, looking at India, Paine remains concerned with the side coming to Australia in a few days. The squad that will make the trip will be without Mohammed Shami who is still recovering from his injuries and is yet to play a competitive game since the 2023 ODI World Cup.

“It makes me worry a little bit about India, If I’m being totally honest, coming to Australia, particularly without Shami as well which we’ve heard in the last few days,” Paine added.

Looking ahead for the coming series, Paine believes that the Aussies will be strong favourites for the five-match series against India. He pointed out that India’s batting has not been at their best along with Australia. However, he backed the Aussies to get the job done looking at the quality that they have in the batting order.

“I think the more I think about it, Australia are going to start as pretty strong favourites for me. I just think India hasn’t been playing all that well. Their batting looks a little bit brittle. Australia doesn’t look amazing at the moment in terms of output, but we know the quality they’ve got there,” he commented.

Reflecting on his experience playing against India, he reckons that the loss of Shami will be big one on the Indian side and with all the responsibility on Bumrah, could cost the side should he get injured.

“In both attacks, the last time we played in Australia, the quicks were awesome. I think Shami is going to make a huge difference. He was amazing last time and wore us down. Bumrah, now there is a lot on his shoulders and if he gets hurt, it’s curtains for me,” he concluded.