The Indian pace attack came under sharp scrutiny after their underwhelming performance against England in the ongoing Edgbaston Test. Former cricketers and analysts criticised the lack of express pace in the lineup, claiming that none of the Indian pacers consistently bowl at 145 kmph or above, which reduced their threat factor against an aggressive English batting lineup known for its Bazball approach.
Key Highlights
- England dominated the Indian bowling attack, amassing runs at a brisk rate on Day 2.
- Former players expressed concern over the lack of raw pace, which is considered essential to succeed in English conditions.
- Analysts said the Indian bowlers appeared tired and devoid of penetration despite seam-friendly weather.
The Edgbaston Scenario
| Day | Session | England Score Progression |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Morning | 84/1 |
| 1 | Afternoon | 198/3 |
| 1 | Evening | 310/5 |
| 2 | Morning | 415/7 (declared) |
India’s pace trio – led by Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Mukesh Kumar – managed sporadic breakthroughs but failed to maintain consistent pressure or dismiss the aggressive lower middle-order batters.
Former Cricketers’ Blunt Verdict
Speaking on a cricket analysis show, a former India fast bowler said:
“None of them bowl at 145 kph consistently. In England, you need pace or movement. If neither is working, you become a military medium threat. The current attack lacks that fear factor.”
Another ex-player added that India missed bowlers like Umran Malik, whose raw pace could have been a decisive weapon against counter-attacking batters.
Current Indian Pacers’ Average Speeds At Edgbaston
| Bowler | Average Speed (kph) | Max Speed (kph) | Wickets Taken |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jasprit Bumrah | 137-140 | 144 | 3 |
| Mohammed Siraj | 135-138 | 142 | 2 |
| Mukesh Kumar | 130-133 | 137 | 1 |
The absence of a genuine tearaway fast bowler capable of crossing 145 kph regularly was evident as English batters countered swing with aggressive footwork and strong backfoot play.
Bazball Challenges Traditional Pace Strategies
England’s Bazball approach under Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes has redefined Test match batting:
- Strike Rate:
England’s run rate has hovered above 4.5 per over in this Test, putting immense pressure on bowlers. - Mindset:
Aggressive intent forced Indian pacers to bowl defensive lines rather than attacking lengths, nullifying wicket-taking opportunities.
Expert Opinions On Indian Pace Attack
- Irfan Pathan (Former All-Rounder):
“We need genuine pace along with skill. Right now, we’re neither fast nor swinging consistently. Against a lineup like England, that’s a recipe for leaking runs.” - Michael Vaughan (Former England Captain):
“India has quality seamers but lacks someone who intimidates with sheer speed. Without it, they rely heavily on conditions assisting swing.” - Wasim Jaffer (Former India Opener):
“Selectors should plan rotational policies to keep pacers fresh and also nurture raw pace bowlers to handle such high-scoring games.”
Comparative Analysis: Indian vs English Pacers This Series
| Team | Leading Pacers | Average Speed (kph) | Total Wickets (Series) |
|---|---|---|---|
| India | Bumrah, Siraj, Mukesh | 136 | 32 |
| England | Wood, Robinson, Tongue | 142 | 44 |
The statistics reveal England’s faster bowlers averaged higher speeds and secured more wickets, reflecting the potency of pace alongside disciplined lines and lengths.
Fan Backlash
Fans flooded social media platforms with criticism, highlighting:
- Lack of aggression in bowling plans.
- Repeated short-ball tactics failing against Bazball.
- Over-dependence on Bumrah for breakthroughs.
Trending hashtags include #IndianPacers, #EdgbastonTest, and #NeedForSpeedInIndianAttack.
Future Roadmap For India’s Pace Battery
Analysts suggest the following steps:
- Identify and nurture tearaway fast bowlers like Umran Malik, Mayank Yadav, or Kuldeep Sen who can bowl consistently above 145 kph.
- Strength and conditioning programs tailored to build fast-twitch muscle fibres without injury risk.
- Rotational workload management to keep bowlers fresh across formats.
- Overseas exposure tours for young pacers to understand seam-friendly but bounce-rich conditions like England, Australia, and South Africa.
Impact On The Test Match
At the end of Day 2, India trailed by 290 runs with five wickets remaining in their first innings. The match is heavily tilted in England’s favour, and India will need a heroic batting effort to salvage a draw or stay alive in the series.
Broader Context: India’s Pace Revolution Under Threat?
Over the last decade, India developed an enviable pace arsenal led by Bumrah, Shami, Ishant, and Umesh. However, with Shami injured, Ishant retired, and Umesh past his prime, the next generation has not yet reached that level of intimidating skill plus pace combination, raising concerns about India’s overseas competitiveness.
Upcoming Challenges
India’s next overseas assignment is the tour of Australia in December, where raw pace above 145 kph will be crucial on hard, bouncy tracks.
| Upcoming Test Tours | Expected Fast Bowling Requirement |
|---|---|
| Australia 2025-26 | 145+ kph bowlers essential to exploit bounce |
| South Africa 2026 | Seam and bounce plus pace needed |
Conclusion
The Edgbaston Test exposed the current limitations in India’s pace attack against high-pressure Bazball tactics. While skill remains India’s strong point, the absence of sheer speed is a glaring void that needs addressing through structural planning, talent scouting, and injury management strategies.
Disclaimer: This news article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute cricket coaching, fitness, or selection advice. Readers are encouraged to follow official cricket board announcements for confirmed squad strategies. The publication is not responsible for decisions made based on the information presented.
