Australian cricket legend Glenn McGrath has cautioned India’s premier fast bowler, Jasprit Bumrah, about the potential risk of injury, especially without a proper off-season, considering his bowling action and the extra effort he puts into his release.
The 30-year-old previously endured a stress fracture injury in his back, which necessitated surgery and sidelined him for nearly a year starting from September 2022.
Despite this setback, Bumrah made a remarkable comeback, showcasing outstanding performances in the 2023 ODI World Cup and delivering sensational displays in Test series against South Africa and England, both at home and abroad.
During a media session held at the MRF Pace Foundation, McGrath stated:
“The last two strides that he takes, he just powers into the crease. Thus, his momentum increases, and that’s where he gets the pace. Someone like Bumrah needs an off-season because he puts so much into every ball.”
“With so much extensive effort, he needs a break. If he keeps playing, the amount of pressure created given the bowling action he has, he is bound to get injured, which he has in the past.”
Despite his injury record, Bumrah has been exceptional in all formats whenever he takes the field, securing 382 wickets in 187 matches. He achieved the milestone of becoming the fastest Indian and the second-fastest Asian fast bowler to reach 150 Test wickets during the recently concluded England series.
“The Indian fast bowling lineup has remained stable for an extended period” – Glenn McGrath
McGrath observed that the combination of Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, and Umesh Yadav, alongside Jasprit Bumrah, has ensured continuity in India’s pace bowling setup, leading to minimal alterations over time.
Pacers such as Avesh Khan, Mukesh Kumar, Umran Malik, and Akash Deep, among others, have sporadically featured in matches over the recent years.
“The Indian fast bowling has been set for a long time and hasn’t had a big turnover. The way (Mohammed) Shami, (Mohammed) Siraj, and Umesh (Yadav) have delivered, only when they move older, we can think of having a change,” said McGrath.
“We have Avesh Khan and many others in the fray. We will see in the future. Having so many good right-arm bowlers is the reason why we haven’t seen a left-arm Indian pacer lately,” McGrath added.
The fast bowlers played a crucial part in India’s 1-1 draw in South Africa and were instrumental in their journey to the final of the ODI World Cup last year. When the 2024 IPL season begins on Friday, March 22, India will showcase all its fast bowling talents.
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