AUS v IND 2020-21: ‘Picked Bumrah’s brain during my stint at Mumbai Indians’, says James Pattinson

Pattinson replaced Lasith Malinga in the MI squad at the last minute.

By Salman Anjum - 06 Dec, 2020

Australia speedster James Pattinson on Saturday (December 6) said he has picked Jasprit Bumrah's brain during his unexpected stint at the Mumbai Indians (MI) in the recently held Indian Premier League (IPL).

Having gone unsold at the IPL 2020 auction, Pattinson replaced Lasith Malinga in the MI squad as the Sri Lankan pacer opted out of the tournament at the last minute. He played 10 games for the IPL champions and claimed 11 wickets.

"I lucked out a bit going to Mumbai, the most successful franchise in IPL history. It all happened so quickly. It was such a great experience and surprise," Pattinson was quoted as saying by Australian Associated Press.

"'Boom' is one of the best, if not the best, T20 bowler in the world. I picked his brain. I was asking about his yorkers and how he gets them so good; he likes to bowl from a higher position and a few other things.

"You watch him bowl and just think 'how does he do that!?'," Pattinson said.

He further added that playing in the IPL "ignited a spark to play more white-ball cricket... to try and get back into Australia's white-ball teams."

Pattinson, who has not represented Australia in white-ball games since 2015, said meeting Bumrah was a good lesson in not tinkering with bowling actions.

"It's fantastic. He's got an unusual action, been allowed to keep doing that and it's what makes him successful."

Pattinson said Bumrah "was happy to share a lot of information around his bowling mindset".

"He's a fantastic guy. He bowls a lot more than I thought he would at training. He just bowls and bowls and bowls ... you see how switched on he is."

(With PTI inputs)

By Salman Anjum - 06 Dec, 2020

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