India’s poor batting meant that their bowling was handicapped to a great extent in England. But, not all of their bowlers were in great form themselves. Here’s a closer look at how India’s bowlers performed in England.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar: The medium pacer was India’s best bowler in the series by some distance. In five Tests, he claimed 19 wickets at an average of 26.6 with an economy rate of 2.9, and a strike rate of 54.5. Kumar was the only bowler to claim two five-wicket hauls in the series, with a best of 6 for 82. Towards the last couple of Tests however he wasn’t as effective, seeming visibly tired.
Ishant Sharma: The lanky medium pacer was responsible for India’s only victory in the series, at Lord’s. However, he got injured soon after that, and by the time he returned, the series was out of India’s grasp. In three Tests, Ishant claimed 14 wickets at an average of 27.2, with an economy rate of 3.3 and strike rate of 49. He claimed one five-wicket haul in the series, 7 for 74 at Lord’s.
Ravindra Jadeja: Theleft-arm spinner had a forgettable time with the ball. After four Tests, he had nine wickets to his credit at an average of 46.6. His economy rate was 2.7, but his strike rate was as high as 104. With his batting also failing, he was dropped for the final Test. His best was 3 for 52.
Mohammed Shami: Not long ago a promising prospect, Shami was pedestrian in England. In three Tests, he claimed five wickets at an average of 73.2, an economy rate of 3.8 and a strike rate of 115. His best figures were 2 for 128, enough for him to be dropped after the third Test.
Ravichandran Ashwin: He played in the last two Tests, but couldn’t make much of an impact. In two innings, he claimed three wickets at an average of 33.6, with an economy rate of 2.8, and a strike rate of 71. Ashwin’s best figures in an innings were 3 for 72, not very impressive numbers.
Varun Aaron: The speedster was brought into the side for the last two Tests, and made an impact with his pace. In two innings, he claimed five wickets at an average of 50, at an economy rate of 4.5 and a strike rate of 66. Aaron’s best figures in an innings were 3 for 97. He bowled much better than his figures actually suggest.
--By A Cricket Analyst
