But in subsequent years he proved to be a huge disappointment. He developed no consistent away swinger to complement his natural in swing towards right-handers, and picked up a serious problem bowling no balls. There was no increase in pace - if anything, he got slower.
The relationship soured and even turned abusive, as Ishant became the biggest butt of jokes in India. He was ridiculed for “services to Australian sport” when his team were whitewashed Down Under.
By the time he was selected for this English tour the old love had crossed that fine line into hate, with several observers incredulously questioning how someone with a bowling average over 37 could have somehow won 55 Test caps and still be in line for more.
