MUMBAI, March 24 -- On sub-continent pitches, Indian Premier League (IPL) can be tough for the fast bowlers. Even express pace doesn't really hold any fear because of the slower nature of surfaces with the batters thriving on the ball coming onto the bat faster.
Ask Jofra Archer. In Sunday's game at Hyderabad, the Rajasthan Royals fast bowler had the ignominy of conceding 50 runs in just 2.4 overs, inside the 13th over of the innings. He ended with figures of 4-0-76-0 - the most expensive spell ever in IPL -- as Sunrisers Hyderabad amassed 286, the second highest IPL total.
In these conditions, there's simply no place to hide. When in the firing line, variations and clever changes of pace is the bowler's best bet.
With the quality of bat...