Champions Trophy: India's pace-spin combination gives them edge, says Glenn McGrath

Former Australian Pacer and current mentor at Chennai's MRF Pace Foundation, Glenn McGrath has deemed Indian bowling attack as the most potent one among the team participating in the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 starting Thursday.

England is hosting 8 teams, including themselves, for what is also called a mini-World Cup tournament, from June 1-18.

Indian bowling arsenal consists of pacers Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah; R Ashwin leading the spin attack with all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja, Hardik Pandya, Yuvraj Singh at the flanks.

Maybe this is why when McGrath looks at the Indian bowlers he sees a good pace-spin combination.

"Some of the Indian bowlers are top-class and they have really done well in the last two-three years. I think India have got one of the most potent attacks in the championship and the pace-spin combination will provide them with an edge over other teams," McGrath was quoted as saying by TOI.

On yorker specialist, Jasprit Bumrah, McGrath said that he has improved and his bowling style is perfect for shorter formats. Bumrah is considered to be essential for Team India during death overs and McGrath too is interested in watching him deliver. "Getting accustomed to the English conditions will also be a big challenge. It'll be interesting to see how he bowls at the death. He is a quality pacer and I hope he continues to improve," McGrath told the daily.

England and Bangladesh will kick off the tournament on Thursday. But India will begin their campaign to defend the title on Sunday, starting with arch-rivals Pakistan.