Bond backs Bumrah's inclusion for Champions Trophy

Indian Premier League's table toppers Mumbai Indians' death-over specialist, Jasprit Bumrah, should get the nod in India's ICC Champions Trophy squad, feels the franchise's bowling coach, Shane Bond. "I will be surprised if he is not in it (the squad). He will be a good bowler in all formats. At the moment he is a good ODI and T20 bowler," the former New Zealand fast bowler said. Bumrah has been the go-to bowler to bowl at the 'death' for MI this season. The 23-year-old bowler has taken 9 wickets in 8 IPL games this season, the second-best for the team after New Zealand's Mitchell McClenaghan (132). The Ahmedabad-born cricketer had played for India in the team's last ODI against England at Kolkata in January. In 11 ODIs, since his debut against Australia at Sydney in January, 2016, Bumrah has captured 22 wickets. Bond, who was among the fastest bowlers in his prime before injuries cut short his international career after just 18 Tests in which he scalped 87 wickets, was impressed with the current crop of Indian bowlers. "India have been playing their cricket at home. Ashwin, Jadeja are phenomenal in these conditions. But it has allowed the seam bowlers to come and make real impact and bowl quick.

The 23-year-old bowler has taken 9 wickets in 8 IPL games this season, the second-best for the team after New Zealand's Mitchell McClenaghan (132). The Ahmedabad-born cricketer had played for India in the team's last ODI against England at Kolkata in January. In 11 ODIs, since his debut against Australia at Sydney in January, 2016, Bumrah has captured 22 wickets. Bond, who was among the fastest bowlers in his prime before injuries cut short his international career after just 18 Tests in which he scalped 87 wickets, was impressed with the current crop of Indian bowlers. "India have been playing their cricket at home. Ashwin, Jadeja are phenomenal in these conditions. But it has allowed the seam bowlers to come and make real impact and bowl quick.

Umesh has developed as a bowler. "Bhuvneshwar hasn't played much and the benefits of his rest can be seen as his pace has come up again. So, when India (play) away from home, they have got a seam bowling attack which is going to be a handful, given the right conditions," he said.