Shoaib Akhtar calls Jasprit Bumrah’s bowling action ‘difficult’, says he can’t play in all formats

Bumrah has represented India in 14 Tests, 64 ODIs and 50 T20Is so fa

Jasprit Bumrah | GettyIndia speedster Jasprit Bumrah has come a long way after his international debut in January 2016. He currently holds the No. 2 position in ICC ODI rankings for bowlers and occupies the 7th spot in Test bowling rankings.

Last year, Bumrah played an instrumental role in India’s maiden Test series victory on Australian soil with 21 wickets to his name. He then scripted India’s 2-0 Test series win in West Indies, claiming 13 scalps at a phenomenal average of 9.23 including a hat-trick.

Overall, Bumrah has represented India in 14 Tests so far, taking 68 wickets at a phenomenal average of 20.33 with 5 five-wicket hauls. In 64 ODIs, he has picked up 104 wickets at an impressive average of 24.43 while his T20I record reads – 59 scalps from 50 games at an economy rate of 6.66.

Despite such prowess, former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar reckons Bumrah will find it difficult to sustain himself in all formats of the game due to his unorthodox action.

"Bumrah has a difficult action. He cannot play in all formats," said Akhtar on Aakash Chopra's Youtube show Aakash Vani.

"It is his braveness that he showed his skills in Test matches. He is a very hard working guy and is very focused. He knows where he wants to go. But will his back support him. Till when will his back withstand that much load. It had to break down," he added.

In terms of injury, Jasprit Bumrah faced the biggest setback last year when he missed India’s home Test season due to stress fracture in his lower back.

“I was watching his matches before he broke down. I was telling my friends that he will break down. People tell me that it was just 4-5 steps run-up. I told them it is not a question of steps but about loading during the delivery stride, his back will not be able to sustain that much,” Akhtar said.

“A niggle will happen and that's what happened. I think he broke down after a couple of Test matches. He has to be very careful and his captain because you get very few such talents,” he further remarked.

 
 

By Salman Anjum - 09 Aug, 2020

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