Ravi Shastri Compares Jasprit Bumrah to West Indies Legend Malcolm Marshall
Former India cricketer Ravi Shastri has praised Jasprit Bumrah. He compared the Indian pacer to the great West Indies bowler Malcolm Marshall. Bumrah is known for his ability to read batters’ strengths and weaknesses. He has been a standout for India in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. He is a game-changer for the visitors.
Bumrah’s Dominance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy
Jasprit Bumrah has been key for India in the Test series against Australia. He took 21 wickets in three Tests at a stunning average of 10.90. His remarkable performances have been key in keeping the series level at 1-1.
- 1st Test (Perth): Bumrah took eight wickets. He was the Player of the Match. His effort led India to a dominant win.
- 2nd Test (Adelaide): The speedster dismissed four batters in a closely contested match.
- 3rd Test (Brisbane): Bumrah shone, taking nine wickets in a rain-affected game. He troubled the Aussies.
“He reads the game well when it comes to batters. Malcolm Marshall was the best bowler I faced and Bumrah is like him. Marshall was renowned for reading the strengths and weaknesses of the batters,” Ravi Shastri told Fox Cricket.
Comparison with Malcolm Marshall
Ravi Shastri compared Bumrah to Marshall, a great fast bowler. Marshall was known for exploiting batters’ weaknesses. He had an uncanny knack for reading the game. Shastri believes Bumrah shares this skill.
“He is closing on 200 Test wickets with 100 coming in India. The ball starts reversing in India because of the rough conditions. If he doesn’t take wickets with the new ball, he becomes dangerous in the end.”
Bumrah’s Record-Breaking Journey
Jasprit Bumrah continues to etch his name in the record books with every performance:
- Most Wickets for India in Australia: Bumrah surpassed Kapil Dev. He took 53 wickets Down Under, two more than the 1983 World Cup-winning captain.
- Tied Record at MCG: Bumrah has 15 wickets at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). He shares the record for most Indian wickets there with Anil Kumble. He needs just one more scalp to surpass the legendary spinner.
Bumrah can reverse the ball in tough conditions. He is a constant threat with the old ball. So, he is India’s go-to bowler in all formats.
A Crucial Role in the Boxing Day Test
With the series tied at 1-1, the upcoming Boxing Day Test at the MCG carries immense importance. Bumrah’s performance will be pivotal to India’s chances of taking the lead.
Bumrah is in great form. But, he needs better support from pacers Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep. They face a strong Australian batting lineup. India’s bowling unit will be keen to deliver a collective effort to break the deadlock in the series.