Wasim Akram states that Jasprit Bumrah has unquestionably more control over the new ball than I have
In the world of cricket, where legends have risen and fallen, there are a few bowlers who transcend the ordinary to become truly exceptional. Jasprit Bumrah, the 29-year-old Indian pacer, is undoubtedly one of those rare talents who have taken the cricketing world by storm. Known for his incredible control, pace, and a bag of variations, Bumrah has consistently impressed fans and experts alike with his awe-inspiring performances on the field.
Recently, even the legendary Pakistani pacer Wasim Akram hailed Bumrah as the best bowler in the world right now, praising his skills and highlighting his game-changing impact. In this article, we will delve into the reasons why Bumrah has earned such high praise and examine what sets him apart from other bowlers in the world.
Bumrah’s Spectacular Performance at the World Cup
Throughout the ongoing ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2023, Bumrah has showcased his talent and proved his mettle as a world-class bowler. In a crucial match against England, Bumrah played a pivotal role in India’s resounding 100-run victory, taking three wickets for just 32 runs. His tight line and length, combined with his ability to generate movement off the pitch, left the English batsmen struggling to handle his deliveries. The impact of Bumrah’s spells in the World Cup has been immense, and it’s not surprising that he’s being hailed as the best in the business.
Wasim Akram’s Praise for Bumrah
Wasim Akram, one of the greatest fast bowlers of all time, was left in awe of Bumrah’s performance against England. Speaking on a sports show in Pakistan, Akram emphatically declared Bumrah as the best bowler in the world right now. Such high praise from a cricketing legend is a testament to Bumrah’s exceptional skills and performances. Akram praised Bumrah’s control, pace, and variations, describing him as a complete bowler and a treat to watch. He also highlighted Bumrah’s ability to generate movement with the new ball, which creates uncertainty for the batsmen. For a bowler to receive such accolades from a legend like Akram is an extraordinary achievement.
Bumrah’s Control and Variations
One of the key factors that set Bumrah apart is his exceptional control over the ball. Whether he is bowling to a left-hander from around the wicket or from wide of the crease, Bumrah consistently hits the seam with precision. This allows him to deceive the batsmen by creating the illusion that the ball will move in a particular direction, only for it to move away or hold its line. Bumrah’s unorthodox bowling action, characterized by his unique sling-arm action, adds to his effectiveness as a bowler. Akram, who himself was known for his deadly outswingers, acknowledged that Bumrah’s control with the new ball surpasses his own abilities.
The Impact of Bumrah’s New-Ball Burst
Bumrah’s effectiveness lies in his ability to create uncertainty for the batsmen right from the start of their innings. The length at which he bowls with the new ball poses a challenge for the opposition, as they find it difficult to gauge the movement off the pitch. Bumrah’s extraordinary ability to extract bounce and seam movement early in an innings can leave even the most accomplished batsmen searching for answers. Akram humorously suggested that the only way to put pressure on Bumrah is to steal his bowling spikes, as there is no other cure for his bowling prowess.
Bumrah’s Success in Test Cricket
Akram also pointed out that Bumrah’s success can be attributed to his experience in Test cricket. Unlike many Pakistani bowlers, who primarily focus on limited-overs cricket, Bumrah has honed his skills in the longer format of the game. This exposure has allowed him to develop greater control and adaptability, making him more lethal than many of his counterparts. Bumrah’s performances in Test cricket, particularly away from home, have been exceptional. He’s become a crucial part of India’s Test bowling attack, a format known for testing a bowler’s skill, patience, and stamina.
Conclusion
Jasprit Bumrah’s rise to stardom in the world of cricket is a testament to his exceptional talent and hard work. His control, pace, and variations have made him a force to be reckoned with, and his performances at the ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2023 have only solidified his reputation as the best bowler in the world right now. With his ability to generate movement and create uncertainty for batsmen, Bumrah continues to leave both fans and experts in awe. As the tournament progresses, it will be exciting to see how Bumrah further cements his status as one of the all-time great bowlers in the game.
Additional Information:
- Bumrah has taken 14 wickets in 6 World Cup games, averaging 15.07.
- He plays for the Indian national cricket team and has also represented the Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
- Bumrah’s unorthodox bowling action, characterized by his unique sling-arm action, adds to his effectiveness as a bowler.
