Ishant Sharma: A Matter Of Inches

I write this just after Ricky Ponting has stolen a quick single and moved on to 99, while still being unable to get any semblance of timing on shots played off Ishant Sharma's bowling. It must be noted that Sharma has come on at a rate of knots that not many would have been able to confidently predict six months ago. He has bowled well throughout the series and has easily been the unluckiest bowler on show.

However, I do get the feeling that Ishant Sharma bowls from too wide on the crease. His natural line to the right handed batsman is about three to four stumps outside off stump. This is probably two stumps too many.

To correct this habit, Sharma simply needs to land closer to the stumps by about 8-10 inches. This will shift his natural line to a position where it is one to two stumps outside off stump, thereby creating a greater level of uncertainty for batsmen and probably getting him more wickets.

This kid has a lot of potential and it is up to Venkatesh Prasad and the rest of the Indian management team to nurture him as he grows into his boots.

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