Jasprit Bumrah is presently considered among the top fast bowlers in the world. Since making his debut in 2016, the speedster has become the lynchpin of India’s bowling attack. On top of that Bumrah’s ability to win matches with the bowl in hand makes him a rare commodity.
Recently Bumrah received high praises from former legendary fast bowler Courtney Walsh. The West Indian was the first bowler in history to scalp 500 Test wickets. Recently, English pacer James Anderson and Stuart Broad emulated the feat. Also, Anderson went one step ahead as he achieved a rare feat and touched the mark of 600 Test wickets.
Courtney Walsh believes that Bumrah has the potential to reach where Anderson and Broad have in Test cricket. The former fast bowler reckons that Bumrah is a highly skilful bowler and if he can stay fit in times to come he can also scalp 500 Test wickets.
Bumrah can reach where Anderson and Broad are – Walsh
“Bumrah has the potential to reach where Anderson and Broad have. He is a very skilful bowler. He has a funny run-up that people might want to change. But it is what is best for him. If he stays fit, he could make his mark in a big way in all formats. It is just about how hungry he is to achieve success,” Courtney Walsh told Times of India.
Meanwhile, Courtney Walsh also commended Anderson for this incredible achievement as he became the first fast bowler to pick 600 Test wickets. The West Indian is in awe of Anderson’s hard work and dedication because of which he has been able to play Test cricket for such a long time.
Walsh also thinks that Anderson’s injury-free bowling action as allowed him to be so successful in the longest format of the game.
“It is a fantastic achievement and is a monumental effort for any fast bowler to play as much as you need to for taking 500 or 600 wickets. It just shows the hard work and dedication that Anderson has put in over the years. He truly deserves every accolade he gets. The fact that he still wants to play and aim for 700 wickets is tremendous,” Courtney Walsh added.
”Once you get to know your bowling action, it will help you to survive and play for many years. Anderson is not as quick as he used to be when he was younger, but his skill sets have gotten better. He has more consistency. That is what you need. The smoothness of his action and the minimal effort it takes out of his body have allowed him to prolong his career for so long. He has an action that is not stressful on the body,” he concluded.