Anil Kumble calls for change in mindset while picking bowlers overseas

Anil Kumble

Bengaluru, Jan 12 - Former Indian captain Anil Kumble has said the heavy criticism of the Indian bowling after the just-concluded Test series loss against Australia was justified.

Kumble said India possess quality bowlers who can bowl the opposition out twice in overseas conditions in Tests, but their progress has to be monitored regularly to maximise their potential.

"Some portion of the criticism is justified. We have the quality of bowlers, it's just trying to see who can adjust to the Test format and then choosing your best four bowlers who you think can pick up 20 wickets, that's also been an issue," Kumble was quoted as saying by espncricinfo.com on Monday.

He also said the combination of bowlers should be chosen once you assess the condition and the pitch, and then select the best possible outfit who can take 20 wickets.

"We have gone into this theory of three seamers and one spinner the moment we sit on an aircraft which travels more than seven hours - that's the mindset. If your 20 wickets are going to come with two spinners and two fast bowlers, so be it. If it comes with three spinners and one fast bowler so be it," the 44-year-old said.

He cited the example of the team selected for the first Test in Adelaide where on a strip known to help spinners, the Indians only fielded debutant tweaker Karn Sharma.

Kumble asked: "So who got wickets for Australia then? If you look at the top two bowlers, it was one spinner and one fast bowler."