Debutant Mukesh Kumar Earns Praise From Bowling Coach Paras Mhambrey
India’s debutant fast bowler, Mukesh Kumar, received high praise from bowling coach Paras Mhambrey after claiming his first Test wicket on a rain-interrupted third day of the second match against the West Indies in Port of Spain. The 29-year-old right-arm pacer dismissed fellow debutant Kirk McKenzie for 32, showcasing his potential in red-ball cricket.
Despite the impressive performance by Mukesh, the West Indies put up a resilient fight with the bat, frustrating the Indian team. At the end of the day’s play, the hosts were at 229/5, still trailing India by 209 runs.
While spinners Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja were the main bowlers on the day, Mukesh made a notable impact during his 14 overs. He not only got the crucial wicket of McKenzie but also partnered with Mohammed Siraj to handle the second new ball later in the day, showcasing his ability to swing the ball.
Speaking about Mukesh’s performance, bowling coach Paras Mhambrey expressed his satisfaction and praised the debutant for his dedication and commitment. Mhambrey highlighted Mukesh’s ability to put everything behind the ball, emphasizing that it was exactly what the team management expected from him.
Mhambrey further expressed his happiness with the progress Mukesh had shown throughout the day. From the first ball of the session to the second new ball, Mukesh consistently demonstrated quality bowling, impressing both the coach and fans.
However, it was a challenging day for the bowlers as only four wickets fell in 67 overs on a slow pitch. Mhambrey defended his bowlers, stating that the pitch was extremely slow and not conducive to major seam or spin movement. Additionally, he mentioned that the West Indies batsmen were playing defensively, which further limited the bowling opportunities.
Reflecting on the overall conditions in the West Indies during the series, Mhambrey expressed his desire for sporting wickets that provide equal opportunities for both batting and bowling. He highlighted that the current surface in Trinidad has been quite challenging for bowlers, requiring immense effort to take 20 wickets.
Despite the difficulties faced, Mhambrey remains optimistic about India’s chances. He believes that the swing showcased by Mukesh and Siraj in the final session on Saturday could provide the upper hand to the Indian team. The bowling coach stressed the importance of the first session on Sunday, stating that picking up a couple of wickets could change the game’s dynamics in India’s favor.
Mhambrey concluded by reiterating the team’s goal for the bowlers to hit the right areas, maintain patience, and constantly challenge the opposition batsmen. With India aiming for a series-clinching victory, the final day of the second match promises to be an exciting contest.
In conclusion, Mukesh Kumar’s impressive debut performance and the team’s perseverance in challenging conditions demonstrate India’s depth in bowling talent. With the match poised for an interesting finish, cricket fans eagerly await the final day’s action in Port of Spain.
