Ishant will add new dynamic to Indian bowling attack: Ross Taylor

A fit-again Ishant Sharma will add a fresh dimension to India's bowling attack, says seasoned New Zealand batsman Ross Taylor, who foresees trouble for his team if it focusses only on tackling Jasprit Bumrah during upcoming Test series. Taylor is only two days away from becoming first cricketer to play 100 games across formats. Less than three weeks away from his 36th birthday, he has already competed in 231 ODIs and 100 T20 Internationals. "I think if we just look at Bumrah, we are in trouble. I think ir whole bowling lineup is fantastic. Obviously, Sharma coming back will bring new dynamics to team," Taylor told reporters on Wednesday.

Ishant will add new dynamic

Ishant is returning to Indian squad after recovering from an ankle injury sustained during a Ranji Trophy clash last month. "y have got a world-class batting line-up as well and we have to get through that. But y are . 1 team in world for a reason and we kw we have to be on our game to be successful against m," he added.  On eve of his milestone, would Taylor look back at his early days, especially setbacks? 

"Yeah, I think so. That shapes you as a person and as a player," he agreed instantly.

"Sometimes it's t necessarily runs you get and good times. It's how you deal with failures along way that shape you as a person, as way you go about your training, as a teammate. 

"Sometimes it's negative things that make you stronger and more resilient, and that's what you need to be a Test player, said Taylor.

Had Christchurch Test against Bangladesh t been cancelled due to terror attack at mosque, Taylor would have played his 100th Test in Sydney against Australia last year. It eventually became his 99th and he couldn't be happier to play big game in front of friends and family. "David White (NZC CEO) comes in and gives us a talk about what games are coming up and you start doing math and he actually says Ross, it's going to be your 100th Test in Sydney. But obviously what happened in Christchurch last year with shootings at mosque had moved things back a game. "But n, things happen for a reason, I believe, and it's nice for it to happen back home. I don't kw how many people would have travelled to Sydney for it. So it's nice for it to be here."

He has already got messs from former teammates Daniel Vettori and Brendon McCullum.  "I just got a call from Brendon before we got here saying all best. He said 'do better than what I did', I don't kw what he got in his 100th game. I asked if re was any tip on how to deal with tickets and things like that," he laughed. "I got a mess from Vettori as well last night. Obviously, it is a special club to join and it's nice to hear from fellow players who have been re and done that."

So does he have eugh tickets at his disposal? "I don't kw if I have eugh tickets for m all, y are all coming out of woodwork! All old coaches and things like that. This is just to thank m for all sacrifices y have made," he said. In twilight of his career, thought of retirement has crossed his mind once but that was long back when he had set 2019 ODI World Cup as a deadline for himself. But n he thought he still had something left in his tank and hasn't till date disappointed his fans.

"I always said to myself, 2019 World Cup wasn't a bad place to start thinking about that 'R' word. But I still I am good eugh and have a lot more to offer this team both on and off field. 

"I am still as hungry as ever to score runs. After my first series, I wouldn't have been putting much money on myself to be playing 100 Tests, that's for sure. I am happy with what has happened," he added.

Im credits: AP