The veteran Australian fast bowling great Glenn McGrath has raised significant concerns about the workload management of India’s star paceman Jasprit Bumrah.
Glenn McGrath, the Australian cricket veteran, has raised a significant concern about the workload management of India’s star fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah. McGrath worries that if Bumrah isn’t given enough rest, his high-effort deliveries could lead to more injuries.
Bumrah has struggled with numerous injuries over the past few years. Due to a back injury, these injuries have caused him to miss key tournaments such as the 2022 T20 World Cup and the IPL 2023. Despite these challenges, Bumrah made a remarkable return, delivering standout performances in the 2023 ODI World Cup and showcasing his skills in the Test series against South Africa and England, both at home and overseas. Currently, he’s preparing for the upcoming IPL 2024 and is set to participate in the month-long T20 World Cup in the West Indies and the USA.
Addressing the press at the MRF Pace Foundation, McGrath delved into Bumrah’s distinctive bowling technique, noting how it harnesses remarkable speed while subjecting his body to significant stress.
“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,” McGrath explained.
“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,” the former pacer further added.
India’s search for a reliable left-arm pacer at the top level has been ongoing, with no clear breakthrough yet. According to the former Australian seam bowler, the presence of strong right-arm options like Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav, and Mohammed Siraj has perhaps overshadowed the need for a left-arm bowler. However, he cautioned that while India boasts a wealth of talent in fast bowling, preserving Jasprit Bumrah’s fitness and longevity should be the foremost priority as they prepare for important tournaments such as the 2024 T20 World Cup.
“The Indian fast bowling has been set for a long time and hasn’t had a big turnover. The way (Mohammed) Shami, Bumrah, (Mohammed) Siraj, and Umesh (Yadav) have delivered, only when they move older, we can think of having a change,” McGrath concluded.
