The legendary Australian pacer, Glenn McGrath reckons that Jasprit Bumrah’s stellar show in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar series has prevented the five-match affair from being a lopsided contest in favour of Australia.
Bumrah has been the best bowler in the series having collected 30 wickets at an average of just 12.83. But India’s poor batting and lack of proper plans have let them down, resulting in the side trailing 1-2 in the series.
“He has been a massive part of the Indian team and without him, the series might have been more one-sided and what he does is special,” McGrath told media persons on the sidelines of his foundation’s cancer awareness event here.
The 54-year-old was a feared fast bowler during his time. McGrath has been actively involved in cancer awareness programmes after losing his wife to the disease back in 2008. The former Australian international has been following the ongoing series and remains in awe of Bumrah’s skills with the ball.
“Terrific young guy who has found a way to adapt. Absolutely incredible how he powers into bowl the last few steps,” McGrath said of Bumrah’s short run-up.
The legendary bowler also saw similarities between Bumrah and himself when it comes to the hyper-extension of the bowling arm.
“Got a little bit of hyper extension which I used to have as well. He is coping with it, he has incredible control both ways, guess they are managing him well. I am a massive fan of Jasprit,” said the lanky former bowler, who was nicknamed ‘Pigeon’ by his teammates for his thin legs.
The World Cup winner has also worked with the MRF Pace Foundation in Chennai and remains impressed with the talents that are being produced within the country. He also tipped Prasidh Krishna to have a bright future in the bowling side of things.
“India, with 1.4 billion people, has absolute passion for the game of cricket. Working with MRF Pace Foundation for the last 12 years, we have Prasidh Krishna, who is in the squad,” he commented.
