General Cricket discussion

5 for ISHANT, playing his 92nd test. if he brings his overall careeer average to the 27-31 range, it would be a bit of an achievement. it used to be in the 36-38 range for a very long time. frankly, he is very lucky because there was little competition for the fast bowlers slot until 6 years ago and ISHANT has upped his game in this period. especially in the last 3 years.

since 2017, he has 54 wickets in 14 tests at an average of 21.3 and strike rate of 50. a great record when guys like BUMRAH and SHAMI have been terrific.

ISHANT played his first test in 2007. ZAHEER, BALAJI, IRFAN PATHAN, RP SINGH, SREESANTH and MUNAF started before him and were his peers. but all of them declined. guys like ABHIMANYU MITHUN, PRAVEEN KUMAR, UMESH (still in the team), VARUN ARON, BHUVI, SHAMI, PANKAJ SINGH and BUMRAH started after ISHANT. but ISHANT has held on to his place. maybe there is some favoritism involved. but he has maintained his fitness, is still only 30 years old and on current form, might actually complete 100 tests. an achievement for a fast bowler in this day and age. much of his career has been mediocre. but hope he forms a good combination with SHAMI, BUMRAH and BHUVI.