Former Australian fast bowler Glenn McGrath has commented on Indian national cricket team fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah. While being a part of the MRF Pace Foundation, McGrath has commented on Bumrah’s future.
He also referred to Bumrah as a ‘spring chicken’ as the fast bowler’s unique bowling action has led to his longevity being questioned due to injury problems.
Will Jasprit Bumrah play in Sri Lanka Test series?
Jasprit Bumrah returned to ODI cricket after a break of 968 days in the recently concluded three-match ODI tour against the England national cricket team.
However, after playing two games, he got injured as his knee became inflamed during the third ODI, which ruled him out of the series, and his participation in the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka is also in doubt. He took two wickets in the series against the Three Lions but bowled well and was economical.
“Well, it’s up to him again”-Glenn McGrath on Jasprit Bumrah’s future
Glenn McGrath said Jasprit Bumrah needs to find a way to choose the format whether he wants to prioritize Test cricket or play T20 cricket.
McGrath also pointed out that Jasprit Bumrah’s injuries due to excessive extension of the arm while releasing the ball are very unfortunate, as this creates more pressure on the joint to release the ball.
“Again it’s up to him what he wants. How old is Bumrah now? 31-32? He’s only a spring chicken. So he’s got to find a way to get a bit longer. Unfortunately he’s had a few injuries, but he’s a class, a quality bowler. Just see what he wants to do.”
“It depends on whether he wants to focus on Test cricket or whether he just wants to play T20. It also depends on his body. And as I said, guys who extend their arm too much, they put a little bit more stress on that joint. So we’ll see what happens in the future,” McGrath, who is part of the MRF Pace Foundation, said on Monday.
“I’m a bit disappointed these days” – Glenn McGrath on fast bowlers’ injury problem
Glenn McGrath urged fast bowlers to get used to taking more pressure on themselves rather than being under pressure to avoid recurring injuries, saying injuries are a part of a fast bowler’s life and he was “disappointed” to see fast bowlers living under pressure these days due to workload management and staying injury-free.
“It’s the nature of the beast to be a fast bowler; it’s not a natural act so injuries are part of the game,” said McGrath, who played 124 Tests and 250 ODIs. “What I’m a bit disappointed about these days and probably been for a long time is that they have cottoned on to them (fast bowlers).”
“We try to get them back to full fitness and protect them. The best way to do that is to get stronger from the stress of fast bowling. Doing a rehabilitation program for months and months takes your fitness and your strength so far back that you have to go a long way to catch up,” he said.
