Aus will be tough for pacers: Nehra

› Bumrah is a much more skilful redball bowler than what he is perceived to be. His yorkers will come in very handy with the old Kookaburra ball. ASHISH NEHRA, Ex-india pacer

be an asset due to his fitness and skill sets.

“I still believe Umesh is not a finished product after eight years but someone who has incredible skill sets. He is a strong lad and the fittest among all Indian pacers.”

Ishant’s stamina will also be vital. “The 87 Tests he has played is a testimony to his fitness. Often people will look at the wickets column (256), but bowling 35-40 overs for more than decade requires special skills.

“Whether it’s me or RP Singh or S Sreesanth, we had more skills as fast bowlers than Ishant. … But then Ishant has been fit for so long, so let’s give credit where it is due.”

INDIA’S BEST CHANCE, SAYS GANGULY

KOLKATA: Former India captain Sourav Ganguly said India had their best chance to win a Test series in Australia with Steve Smith and David Warner still serving their bans. “This is like the Indian team not having Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. It’s a huge factor,” he said.

“This is their best opportunity to beat Australia, but you also have to keep in mind that Australia in Australia is a different kettle of fish.”