In his latest blog for PakPassion.net, the renowned Fast Bowling Coach writes about the strengths and weaknesses of England's pace bowling unit and what they need to work on to further enhance their reputation.

By Ian Pont (19th August, 2014)

The Test series in England featuring a highly out-of-sorts Indian team, has polarised views on whether England were magnificent or simply that India were shocking.

What's transpired is that the sub continent batsmen have been systematically dismantled by a razor sharp local bowling unit well versed in how and where to bowl at home.

But it's not quite as straightforward as that, nor is it entirely true. However, it cannot be denied how James Anderson and Stuart Broad have evolved into a world-class spearhead attack in recent times. Statistics aside, which by the way are superb, Anderson and Broad work in partnership in a way that would have any bowling coach purring with delight. Broad is tall and hits the pitch hard that gets good bounce and movement; Anderson skiddier with control over arrow-like swing in either direction. And in English conditions, in their own back yard effectively, this duo are at the top of their game.

The media get somewhat carried away however with the 'turnaround' in English cricket. It was only a few months ago a similar bowling attack was largely ineffective in Australia and as recently as this summer that Sri Lanka won a Test Series for the first time in England.

Yes, Anderson and Broad are excellent operators, but for all that it appears the effectiveness remains more likely to occur bowling with English cricket balls in English conditions. That would be expected - even demanded - if England are to develop a Test bowling unit that can win matches regularly at Home.

But what of Woakes, Stokes, Finn, Jordan, Plunkett and other back up bowlers? This is possibly where England might come unstuck when they have to use their passports. Outside of England we have seen glimpses that Stokes has the 'bottle' and fight to be a competitive cricketer. He ran in and kept running in during the fatal Ashes Series regardless of the scoreboard. This is vital for any young fast bowler. Technically, he has some work to tidy up his action so he can bowl with more pace, although I am certain it will never be done. Woakes has a more rhythmical action and appears to have a better bowling 'skeleton'. He has something effortless and less robotic about him. He would appear ahead of the pack.

Jordan has much going for him but has an unnatural feel to his run up. His control and line sometimes lets him down and then he has the ability to produce an unplayable delivery. He is a good county bowler who is trying to develop into a good international one.

Finn has been the biggest disappointment though. For more than 12 months he has genuinely struggled with his bowling and it would be hard to blame the player himself. A change to his run up and a whole plethora or advice from different sources, will not have helped Finn with a clear mindset. The hope is he has returned to his very best and will feature again in an England shirt not least as he is capable of generating 5 mph more that the rest of the bowlers.

Plunkett was trumpeted as the 'quickest of them all' having resurrected his career at Yorkshire. Yet at times he dropped his speed down into the low 80's range and didn't ever have the feel of a Mitchell Johnson or a Dale Steyn type speedster who could have the potential to take batsmen out of the game. He could systematically work on the base of his action that collapses at delivery instead of supporting his power, but again, I am certain this will not be addressed.

Other quicks and potential names like Meaker, Overton, Rankin, Tremlett, Topley and Mills are suffering with a variety of injuries as well as a loss of form in some instances.

We have seen the green shoots of success in England this summer thanks to some quality batting and the partnership of Anderson and Broad with the ball. But for England to be a consistent Test winning nation, it's going to be getting that fast bowling unit firing and up to speed and standard. Fads come and go, coaches bring in new ideas, commentators analyse and criticise - but the fact remains four quality fast bowlers wins you Test matches around the world.

England has two, especially in England. The search for number three and four remains but I am yet to witness quite the fast bowling revolution I had hoped to see for all the development work being done in English Cricket. The 'pseudo all rounders' or 'bowl and can bat a bit/bat and can bowl a bit' cricketers remain those with the best chance of selection. County cricket is the breeding ground, which in itself may be part of the issue.

Fast bowlers will always come through in spite of any system. But it would be great for them to come through because of that system. Time will tell whether Jordan et al become a world-class force to be reckoned with.

After this latest Test Series, all we do know is that it is India, that has many more problems than it has solutions right now.

Discuss!