Conditions will be testing, says Ravi Shastri

Mumbai: India coach Ravi Shastri has backed Jaspreet Bumrah who could make his Test debut in South Africa. “Bumrah is very exciting. In 50-over and T20, he has shown how good he is. He is one of the best in the world and his opponents acknowledge it. He has also shown that he is a quick learner. His confidence level is high and is a good time to get him in,” said Shastri.

Shastri believes the next 18 months will define the team.

“The fact that they have been together for the last four five years, that experience will stand them in good stead, that’s for sure. The conditions will be testing, but like I have said before, this one and half years will define this Indian cricket team and the whole team is aware of that,” Shastri said.

“With the tours of South Africa, Australia and England coming up, all I can say this will be better cricket team after those 18 months,” Shastri said.

The Indian team pummelled Sri Lanka in the just-concluded series and before that enjoyed success against Australia, England, New Zealand and Bangladesh at home.

The ability of the Indian batsmen in pace and bounce friendly pitches becomes talking point during the abroad tours and Shastri said Indian pacers too have a job at hand. “If it is going to be tough for our batsmen, our job is to make it tough for their batsmen as well.”

The chief coach also urged the players to embrace the challenges with aplomb and insisted that the team’s preparation has been good.

In a landmark tour of South Africa next month they are looking for a record 10th straight Test series win. They are currently level with Australia on nine straight series wins.