Courtney Walsh was the first bowler to complete 500 wickets in Test cricket. He bagged 519 wickets in 132 test matches. Along with Curtly Ambrose, Walsh formed one of the great fast-bowling pairs. The former West Indies pacer enjoyed a relatively injury-free career
Courtney Walsh (Pic: File Pic)
As the T20 World Cup 2024 is inching closer, the "Men in Blue" have named four spinners in their 15-man squad. West Indies pace legend Courtney Walsh is not surprised by the decision of Team India's selectors to pick four spinners ahead of the global showpiece.
India will travel to the USA and West Indies with four spinners namely Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja for the T20 World Cup 2024.
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"India picking four spinners, I'm not surprised... it seems to be their strength," Walsh told PTI on the sidelines of the launch of the Big Cricket League here.
"West Indies have picked three spinners. It's going to be different conditions and everybody has to balance the team," Walsh added. Indian captain Rohit Sharma in the previous week said that he wanted four spinners in the squad but did not give any specific reason. The reason could be the slow tracks in the West Indies.
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Walsh, regarded as one of the most admired cricketers, feels India has a quality pace-bowling unit to complement their spinners. "India still have quality fast bowlers, most of the teams do, so it will be a very competitive tournament. The majority of the teams have good-quality fast bowlers and spinners.
"It's (the tournament) going to be dominated by the bat possibly. But it is difficult to predict who is going to win it, difficult to predict which bowler is going to be a standout. The teams that execute well will be successful."
The T20 World Cup will be hosted by West Indies along with USA and former WI skipper Walsh is optimistic about Caribbeans' chances at the mega event.
"I'm expecting them to do very well. It's a nice balanced team and I am very optimistic that they'll play quality cricket. The group is not the easiest but once we reach the super sixes, there's a really good chance."
Walsh was the first bowler to complete 500 wickets in Test cricket. He bagged 519 wickets in 132 test matches. Along with Curtly Ambrose, Walsh formed one of the great fast-bowling pairs. The former West Indies pacer enjoyed a relatively injury-free career.
Asked what advice he'll give to Bumrah, Walsh said, "Stay fit have fun. The more you play the more experienced you get. It's all about managing the injuries well. That will help him become fitter, stronger and better. You can only play if you are fit enough."
Young Shamar Joseph gained the limelight when he showcased his fast bowling skills when he helped West Indies secure its first win against Australia in 27 years.
Most of the players from the Caribbean are plying their trade in T20 leagues around the world, and Walsh feels the 24-year-old must be protected to ensure a long career.
"West Indies have to (protect him), he's got to protect himself. When I watch his interviews he has a very level head, which is very, very good to see. He loves the game, has passion for the game.
"I think West Indies have to make sure to look after him. Keep him injury-free for longevity. It's early days yet but I'm very excited to see what he does.
"I know he hasn't played a lot of games here in India in the IPL but being here as well soak up the atmosphere will do a lot," he added.
(With PTI Inputs)
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