Basit Ali Praises India’s Pace Attack, Eager to See Mayank Yadav Against Australia

Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has heaped praise on India’s bowling unit, expressing particular admiration for young pace sensation Mayank Yadav and his desire to see him feature in a Test match against Australia. Basit’s comments come in the wake of India’s dominant performance in the opening Test against Bangladesh, where they secured a comfortable 280-run victory in Chennai.

India’s pace attack, led by Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Akash Deep, dismantled Bangladesh, restricting them to just 149 in the first innings. Bumrah took an impressive 4/50, while Siraj and Akash contributed with 2/30 and 2/19, respectively, showcasing India’s depth in fast bowling.

Basit Ali, impressed by India’s potent pace lineup, compared the unit to Pakistan’s legendary trio of Wasim Akram, Shoaib Akhtar, and Waqar Younis, saying, “The Indian bowling unit is so impactful that they are on the level with pacers Wasim Akram, Shoaib Akhtar, and Waqar Younis. Right now, Mohammed Shami is not playing.”

Basit also expressed excitement about India’s latest fast-bowling talent, Mayank Yadav, who made headlines in IPL 2024 for his scorching pace. The young Delhi pacer, playing for Lucknow Super Giants, bowled the fastest delivery of IPL 2024, clocking 156.7 kph against Royal Challengers Bengaluru—the fourth-fastest in the tournament’s history.

“Mayank Yadav’s ball is very dangerous. His bouncer is accurate. I wish to see him play a Test match in Australia,” Basit added. The 22-year-old speedster’s raw pace and accuracy have made him a promising contender for India’s future Test matches.

With the Border Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) series against Australia scheduled for November, Mayank is tipped to be included in India’s squad. However, before that, India will play two Test matches, including the second Test against Bangladesh in Kanpur starting this Friday, followed by a series against New Zealand beginning October 16 in Bengaluru.