Five Bowlers to watch out for in the India-England series

The much awaited India England series is all set to kickstart from the 3rd of July. The Indian team is expected to be in UK for more than 2 months as they play 3 T20Is, 3 ODIs and 5 Tests. The conditions in England have always been tough but following India's performances in the last one year, it promises to be a close contest.

While the pacers have enjoyed their time in England during past, it was amusing to see the spinners dominating in the recently concluded series. Both teams boast of plenty of options whether it's the fast bowling department or the spinning one. Here we have five bowlers who are expected to display their valor in the upcoming limited overs series:-

1. Bhuvneshwar Kumar

India’s trump bowler with the new ball, it would be interesting to see if he can swing the hosts into trouble within the initial overs. If there is one bowler who has absolutely relished bowling in the English conditions, it has to be Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Not only in the Tests, the right arm pacer was equally good in the ODIs as well in his previous tour.

This time, the fast bowler has an additional responsibility on his hands. With his partner Jasprit Bumrah ruled out of the limited overs series, the onus would fall upon him to take early wickets as well as the restrict the run flow at death. While there’s no doubt in his capability, his bowling would be crucial in determining India’s chances in the series. If he can generate swing, then England batsmen better be wary.

2. Liam Plunkett

2018 International Twenty20 Cricket England v Australia Jun 27th

All set to lead England’s pace attack, Liam Plunkett has been in sensational form. The same was witnessed in the series against Australia. Even in tough conditions, the right arm pacer has managed to strike and take wickets consistently. Ever since his return to the English side, the 33 year old has claimed a phenomenal 60 wickets in just 32 games.

Back when he was just 21 years old, he had a brilliant tour to India. While the 2017 tour wasn’t quite memorable for him, Plunkett would be looking to make amends at his home. The tall guy would be hoping to apply brakes to what appears to be a strong Indian batting side. It will be exciting to watch how Indian batsmen tackle him.

3. Moeen Ali

England v Australia - 5th Royal London ODI

For a bowler who made India dance to his tunes in the longer format, his limited-overs performances have been quite ordinary. Moeen is a much-improved bowler at the moment and his recent performances have been exemplary. He ended up as the highest wicket-taker in the ODI series against Australia with 12 scalps to his name at a splendid average of 17.25.

Moeen’s biggest challenge will be to throttle Indian batting with spin. The Indians have always known to be good players against spin. Hence, it will be interesting to see what the off-spinner has in store for them. While he went for runs in the lone T20I, he’s also capable of getting breakthroughs and his past record against India might inspire him.

4. Kuldeep Yadav

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The chinaman bowler has been on a scintillating run in limited overs series. The batsmen have struggled to pick him irrespective of the conditions. While Klaasen did manage to decode him for a game, everyone is aware that Kuldeep possesses enough variations to outfox anyone. His googlies have been the noteworthy element in his bowling.

With 39 wickets in 20 One Day Internationals, he has also been quite economical. His numbers are even better in the shortest format with a scintillating bowling average of 13.63. He was also rewarded the man of the match for his bowling performance against Ireland. England have struggled against Indian spinners in the past. It will be intriguing to watch them respond as Kuldeep bowls in tandem with Chahal.

5. Adil Rashid

England v Australia - 1st Vitality International T20

The joint highest wicket-taker alongside Moeen Ali in the Australian series, Adil Rashid has been equally fantastic. At the No.9 position in the ICC rankings, Rashid had 12 dismissals in five-match series. Even in the lone T20 game where Australia seemed to be running away with the game, Rashid accounted for Aaron Finch’s wicket. He ended up with figures of 3/27 as England won the game.

He had a fantastic stint with Yorkshire at the Royal London Cup too where he got 14 wickets. The challenge now lies ahead against the Indian batsmen. The right arm wrist spinner would be looking forward to improving his record against India on the back of his excellent form recently. If he and Moeen Ali can spin India into a web, England has potential to win the series.