Sydney: Len Pascoe still vividly remembers the 1981 series where he knocked down Sandeep Patil with a bouncer at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Though he played only 14 Tests, he was an integral part of the triumvirate that also included Dennis Lillee and Jeff Thomson.
The 65-year-old remains a keen follower of the game though he has turned into an entertainment magnet offering celebrities from different fields, including cricketers, for corporate and charity events.
“The World Cup will be won by the team that has the best fast bowlers. If you look at the semi-final line-up, it has been a gathering of teams with the best pace battery in the business,” Pascoe, who lives at his beach-side residence in Sydney’s Oyster Bay, told The Telegraph on Tuesday.
Pascoe has been most impressed by the Indian pacers in this World Cup.
“The Indian bowlers have improved a lot. They have learnt their lessons after staying in Australia for more than four months. They are hitting the deck hard. The Indian bowlers earlier had struggled on bouncy Australian wickets.
“Now they know how to play on alien surfaces. I wouldn’t say their fast bowlers have the same firepower as Australia or New Zealand but are almost on par with them.
“(Mohammed) Shami has made the most of Australian conditions. He’s got the variable bounce and learnt to make use of the conditions. He’s been excellent.
“Fast bowlers always hunt in pairs. You can’t separate fast bowlers. Mohit (Sharma) has been a revelation. He has learnt from watching others and become a better bowler. That’s where India have the advantage. Umesh (Yadav) has the pace, but has to keep a cool head,” he remarked.
Pascoe is keeping fingers crossed for Thursday’s semi-final at the SCG. He’s not happy with Mitchell Johnson’s rhythm, but reckons Mitchell Starc is bowling at his best.
“Mitchell Johnson is struggling with his rhythm a bit. He may be bowling one or two balls with his normal rhythm but he will be 10 kmph faster when in his rhythm. He’s capable of bowling at 150 kmph. Watch out as the semi-final might just fire him up like Wahab Riaz.
“Mitchell Starc has been phenomenal. He’s been hitting the 150 kmph consistently. He gets the ball to move away late… He’s a left-armer getting lot of leg before decisions with his in-swinging yorkers. He’s equally adept at bowling with the new ball and in the death overs.
“He has the ability to knock off the openers early. The Australian pace attack has shown good form. James Faulkner has been bowling in the 140 kmph. His bowling isn’t just about pace but the awkwardness he brings into his bowling. They’ve got lot of variation and adaptability,” Pascoe explained.
The Indians turnaround after a disappointing summer has come as a surprise to Pascoe and feels Virat Kohli will be the key when it comes to tackling the Australian quicks.
“The Indians have got to be tired after being in Australia for so long… It needs mental toughness to be away from home, family and friends. But they have picked themselves up superbly. Virat Kohli will be the key… If he takes on the Australian fast bowlers… He is mentally tough and has that in your face cricket which the Australians hate. The contest with Kohli will be fascinating. If Australia can knock him over, it will be tough for India,” he predicted.
Tuesday’s rain has forced Pascoe to take a wait-and-watch policy on the nature of the wicket.
“The wicket will be interesting after Tuesday’s rain. It’s covered and there is bound to be sweating. We’ve got another day to wait… Let’s see how the weather pans out and wait till the covers are off. It will be interesting to see who does what after winning the toss,” he said.
If he’s to pick the one stand-out performer among the fast bowlers in this World Cup, he would go for Starc.
“Starc has been the best. His line is impeccable and he’s bowled smartly. He’s knocked out the big players right through the tournament,” said Pascoe.
A warning of sorts and the Indians better watch out for Starc.
