Pandya, Yadav key to India’s Asia Cup chances, says Mitchell Johnson
The big day is 19 September – India take on Pakistan for the 135th time in one-day international cricket, but for the first time since the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 final at Lord’s when Pakistan capped off their fantastic comeback in the tournament with a 180-run win.
As far as Mitchell Johnson is concerned – the recently retired Australian paceman is a commentator with the host broadcasters for the Asia Cup – Pakistan will have the edge in the game.
And it’s down to their experience in the conditions, gained from using the venues in the United Arab Emirates as their home grounds.
“Pakistan will have an upper-hand and will enjoy playing in UAE due to prior experience of playing in the PSL [Pakistan Super League] and knowing the weather and pitch conditions inside out,” said Johnson in a chat with Press Trust of India.
Pandya Innings
That said, Johnson isn’t ruling out the Indians pushing Pakistan hard, and points to Hardik Pandya, the fast-bowling all-rounder, and Umesh Yadav, the quick bowler, are reasons for India to expect a good result.
“Against Pakistan, India’s age-old cricketing rival and neighbour, keeping UAE’s pitch conditions in mind, I think seamers like Umesh Yadav and Hardik Pandya would work in India’s favour,” he said.
Pakistan stuns India to win Champions Trophy 2017
“Pandya is currently doing well in the United Kingdom, where he is utilising the conditions well.
“I am actually excited to see the way Umesh Yadav will bowl in the Asia Cup. Yadav’s biggest asset lies in the ability to choke an opposition at crunch times along with knocking opponents out with variations and reverse swing during his spells.”
The tournament will feature the Test-playing nations from Asia – Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka – and one qualifier. In the pitches of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, where the matches will be played, batsmen should expect to make merry, as should the spinners, but Johnson, one of the best and fastest bowlers in the world when in his prime, is hoping for members of his tribe to shine.
“The pitches in UAE have traditionally produced belters but with the bowling line-ups all the teams possess currently we might remember this year’s tournament as the bowlers’ tournament,” hoped Johnson.