For final, Bumrah says anything can happen
Pakistan receive a shot in the arm as spearhead Amir attends a full net session at The Oval; India pacer not dropping guard for Sunday’s final
far, bowled with his natural run-up and pace much to the delight of the team management.
Amir’s fitness will be tested again on Saturday and Pakistan are in no hurry to rush the 25-year-old because they have adequate back-up.
Pakistan’s bowling coach Azhar Mahmood, who has played a lot of County cricket for Surrey, the caretakers of The Oval, said: “When you go to a final, you want your experienced player, you want him to be fully fit and participating on that particular day.” He added that any hint of discomfort will not leave Pakistan in the lurch.
“(He has been told that) if he has any doubt he should let us know. He bowled today. He is fine. Yeah, definitely you would go with Amir, but we don’t mind if Amir can’t play. If he is not fit, then we have to move on.” Amir was replaced by rookie left-arm pacer Rumman Raees, who had come in for Wahab Riaz. Wahab had injured himself during the first group B match against India on June 4. Raees, who shared the new ball with Junaid Khan, took two for 44 to help Pakistan rout tournament
favourites England by eight wickets.
If Amir reported fit, another impressive seamer Hasan Ali, Pakistan’s leading bowler, skipped nets due to a calf niggle. His absence was more of a precautionary measure.
Pakistan’s story of resurgence has given the team enormous confidence.
The lowest ranked team in the tournament has started believing in its bench strength and Mahmood said: “Last match, when Amir was not there, people were worried about our strike bowler not playing.
“But the way Rumman Raees came in and bowled, it showed we have the bench strength. We have guys who have such skill and ability that they can perform on any stage. It is just a matter of self-belief and confidence. I think anyone can replace anyone.”
If Amir plays on Sunday, he will supplant Raees.
Meanwhile, India have been riding their latest pace twins Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah. In conditions where the white ball has not swung and wickets are great for batting, Bhuvneshwar and Bumrah have won a lot of praise from their captain Virat Kohli for checking runs.
Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar’s top-of-off-stump line, against both South Africa and Bangladesh, forced the batsmen to commit errors. The success of bowlers is always not measured by wickets taken but by the pressure they create on batsmen to err in judgement while playing strokes.
Bumrah has taken four wickets so far.
Bumrah’s growing confidence stems from the fact that his captain has given him the freedom to explore all kinds of deliveries and the young pacer has used his intelligence well.
Bumrah knows Sunday will be a big day and all the good work so far will be wiped away if India lose to Pakistan.
Bumrah reflects the mood in the Indian camp ahead of the final game.
“Not at all surprised to see Pakistan in the final, not at all because cricket is a funny game,” he said.
“Anything can happen in any game, you cannot become complacent or take anything lightly. We’ve reached the final now, so we’ll plan. There are no easy games. Pakistan are always a good side and you have to give
them equal respect.”