SG ball debate: Bhuvneshwar, Bumrah prefer to play it safe

The performance of the SG ball in Tests in India has come in for criticism of late. India captain Virat Kohli, off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin and speedster Umesh Yadav have all criticised the quality of the home-made ball. Former skipper Mohammad Azharuddin has expressed surprise over these concerns.

The pace duo of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah though chose to steer clear of the debate on Wednesday. When asked for their views on the SG ball,

Both said they can’t comment considering they have not played red-ball cricket in India of late.

“I don’t remember when I last played a Test with SG in India. I don’t know what he (Virat) has seen. Something must have happened, but I don’t have any idea about it. I can’t comment on it, therefore,” said Bhuvneshwar, who was interacting at a promotional event.

Bumrah, who is fast emerging as India’s strike bowler, said: “I am yet to play a Test in India. If something has happened, rectification will take place. I have played first-class matches with SG ball, but there conditions were different.”

Bumrah made his Test debut in January in South Africa and played in England but skipped the home matches, a one-off tie against Afghanistan and the twomatch West Indies series. Bhuvneshwar also missed the three home games of 2018.

The pair has been at the heart of India’s recent success, especially in white-ball cricket.

“If I can swing the ball, he can bowl yorkers. We complement each other with our skills. During the game we keep discussing and advising each other,” Bhuvi said.

Speaking on the tour of Australia, Bhuvneshwar said, “It won’t be easy. Our preparation in the practise matches there will matter.”

Bumrah added, “When I reach Australia, I will assess the wickets. Because sometimes going there with pre-conceived notions and then it doesn’t happen, so you are in no space.