Pacers in India do not get enough encouragement, feels Steyn

Image
Press Trust of India Hyderabad
Last Updated : May 20 2013 | 10:15 PM IST
The world's numero uno fast bowler, Dale Steyn feels always looking up to spinners for wickets is not the right way to go about encouraging the crop of pacers in India.
"If you're always going to look at the spinners to do the job for you, what's the point of even having a fast bowler," asked Steyn.
Aware of India's "rich tradition" with spinners, Steyn gave an example from the recent India-Australia Test series to make his point.
"I watched the recent Test series between India and Australia and at one stage Ishant (Sharma) bowled his first over of the match with the second new ball! There's not a lot of confidence your captain is giving you as a fast bowler when he gives you the ball only after 80 overs.
"I say this with due respect to M S Dhoni because they went on to win the Test series 4-0. But for a bowler like Ishant it doesn't say a lot to him. I'm sure he buys into the team's plans and priorities and so he's fine with it.
"But when questions are raised about Indian fast bowlers - which I think will always be raised - I think that's your answer right there," the South African was quoted as saying by the IPL website.
Steyn, who plays for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League, added that wickets here are not condusive for fast bowling.
"The wickets here aren't really helpful for them either and I feel for the Indian fast bowlers. If Ishant wants to come to South Africa, he'll make the team any day, I can promise you that. He's a fantastic bowler.
"Umesh Yadav and Bhuvneshar Kumar are other two very good bowlers. They just need the right conditions. If you're going to give them spinning wickets, it's going to be difficult. If you'll give them the ball after 80 overs, it's going to be even more difficult.
*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: May 20 2013 | 10:15 PM IST

Next Story