Exclusive: Simon Doull shares insights on First Sports show regarding India's 'relentless' pace trio

Former New Zealand cricketer Simon Doull feels India pacer Jasprit Bumrah has been “unbelievable” since his comeback to the national side following a back injury, which ruled him out of competitive cricket for almost year.

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Bumrah made his India comeback during a T20I series against Ireland in Ireland in August, after undergoing back surgery and rehabilitation process at the National Cricket Academy (NCA).

While Bumrah managed just three wickets in the Asia Cup in September, the 29-year-old has so far scalped 15 wickets from seven games in the ongoing ODI World Cup, including a four-fer against Afghanistan.

“They (Indian pacers) keep coming at you. Jasprit Bumrah has been unbelievable. Post that back operation, coming back to the side after the injury, he just gives you nothing inside that powerplay. If you get runs off him, you’re very, very fortunate. He gets that beautiful line and length, he swings the ball both ways, and he is getting a little bit of movement,” Doull said on Bumrah, during the Mic Up segment of the First Sports show, hosted by Rupha Ramani.

Doull also went onto complement Siraj, and Shami, who has just played three matches in the World Cup, but has been impressive so far.

“Siraj is quite an aggressive bowler, he will use the bouncer really well, he runs across the left hander, he has continued his form from the Asia Cup, which is impressive,” said Doull.

“And from the time Shami has come back into the side, he has lifted the attack a little bit more. He picked up five, four and a five (Wickets) in the only three games he has played. So, I think he has complemented that seam bowling attack to elevate them as the best in the tournament so far, and you couple that with the spinners to follow. When Hardik comes back as the fourth seamer, India has all the making to be the best bowling side in the tournament,” added the former right-arm pacer.

Doull termed the Indian pace attack as “relentless”.

“India are outstanding at the moment (On the pace bowling unit). They are relentless as far as their three seamers are concerned. Now they have got Shami back into the side. Remember, he has only played three games. They are on top of the tree.

“I think South Africa look very, very good with Jansen, Rabada, Ngidi and Coetzee to follow. Australia look pretty dangerous. You can never underestimate what Australia do. I know they have had a tough start to the tournament. But, they have bounced back nicely and they look like genuine semi-final contenders and probably still title contenders I suppose,” added the cricketer-turned commentator.

With seven wins in as many league matches, India are unbeaten in the World Cup so far, and became the first team to qualify for the semi-finals following a 302-run win over Sri Lanka on Thursday.

The Men in Blue next face South Africa in Kolkata on Sunday.