Published: Sep 02, 2016, 07:00 AM (IST)
Edited: Sep 02, 2016, 10:58 AM (IST)
Born on September 2 1988, India‘s pace spearhead in the longest format, Ishant Sharma, turns 28. He has been part of the Indian cricket team for the past nine years. Ishant has produced many spectacular spells catching the best of batsmen in trance. His spell against Ricky Ponting at Perth 2008 is rated one of the top spells by an Indian pacer overseas. However, ever since Zaheer Khan called it a day from international cricket, Ishant has been leading the pace unit. However, he made his debut in 2007 against Bangladesh at Mirpur. It was not a dream start for the pacer as he could take only one wicket of his maiden Test. Also read: BCCI open to use DRS without Hawk-Eye
In 72 Tests Ishant played for India, he has picked up 209 wickets at an average of 36.71, with an economy of 3.30, including eight four-wicket and seven five-wicket hauls. All the same, he has 115 wickets to his name in One-Day International (ODIs) and eight wickets in T20 Internationals (T20s).
Ishant helped India win a Test at Lord’s after 28 years. His figures of 7 for 74 put England on the back foot. Chasing 319 for victory, England were going strong at 173 for 4 but a fiery spell of pace bowling by Ishant won India the game by 95 runs as the hosts were all out for 223. What made the spell special was that he dismissed the likes of Alastair Cook, Joe Root, Moeen Ali, Ben Stokes, Matt Prior with some unplayable bouncers. Also read: IND vs WI 2nd T20I delay to be discussed in ICC’s annual workshop
In ODIs, one of his most memorable spells were against Australia at Melbourne cricket ground in 2007 where he finished with figures of 9.1-1-38-4. In the final of ICC Champions Trophy 2013, defending a paltry 130 in 20 overs, Ishant came back into the attack with Eoin Morgan and Ravi Bopara looking to seal the game for their side. Ishant bowled the decisive 18th over of the second innings and dismissed the set pair of Morgan-Bopara to eventually swing the match and tournament in India’s way. His vital breakthroughs led MS Dhoni and co. to win the final by 5 runs.
Given India will play 13 more Tests this season, Ishant will play a key role. His experience will come into play, especially battling against the likes of New Zealand, Australia and England.
