Four World Cup Spots that may be decided in the England-India ODI Series

Fourth Pacer- Umesh Yadav vs Shardul Thakur vs Siddarth Kaul

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For once, India’s pace attack is set a year before the World Cup. Bhuvneshwar Kumar has reinvented himself as an ideal limited-overs baller: swing with the new ball and brilliant yorkers at the death. Similarly, Jasprit Bumrah has established himself in the lineup with his brilliant death bowling. Kumar, Bumrah and all-rounder Hardik Pandya are likely going to form Team India’s pace attack in the World Cup.

However, considering the injury-prone nature of fast-bowlers and English conditions, India will need a consistent fourth pacer going into the World Cup. Since Bumrah is missing the tour with a thigh injury, the likes of Umesh Yadav, Shardul Thakur and Siddarth Kaul will have a chance to impress the team management. Yadav has the highest pedigree and was excellent in the 2015 World Cup. Considering his pace, Yadav is the best wicket-taker of the trio.

However, that is not what India may want from their fourth pacer in the World Cup. Instead, they would prefer a more consistent and less leaky option such as Thakur and Kaul. Both of whom have earned a reputation as economical bowlers (though Thakur’s lack of pace has been punished in his limited international appearances). This trio will be fighting for the right to return to England next season.

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