Hyderabad:"It's difficult to single out a fast bowler in the English attack," Former India cricketer WV Raman responded to a question posed by Etv Bharat during a virtual press conference on comparisons between Australia and England's bowling line-up.
Even so, he admitted that it would be up to the efficacy of England's top-order batsmen that will largely determine the outcome of the series.
As the rivalry between the two teams -- England and Australia -- beckons, the build-up to the Ashes has been immense, and scrutiny intense. The game's scholars are not betting on Pat Cummins, the bowler, as the responsibility of captaincy might stagnate his effectiveness. The fact that Cummins is the best bowler in the world also didn't help his case.
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If not Cummins, Raman, who has represented India in 11 Test matches and 27 ODIs, believes Josh Hazlewood's form could make him a standout in the Aussie attack that will face England at The Gabba. "Hazlewood has done well and he is in really good form," he said.
Raman seemed enamoured by the English bowling attack, saying the team has an "edge over Australia" in this department and England management might be scratching their heads over the selection of the final playing XI.
"England have got a real bunch of good fast bowlers. It's very difficult to single out anyone in the English attack because they themselves will have a lot of good headaches in picking their playing XI and the bowlers that will make it in the final team. England definitely has an edge as far as fast bowling is concerned but where it's all going to boil down to efficacy of top-order batsmen," Raman said.
The discussion then digressed towards the other facet of the game -- England and Australia's batting. He appreciated England's management for reposing faith in the current batters but was disappointed by them to have let the selectors down due to continued batting collapses.