India’s Jasprit Bumrah bowls a delivery during play on day two of the third cricket test between India and Australia at the Gabba in Brisbane, Australia. (AP)
Former Australia batter Michael Hussey recollected facing Jasprit Bumrah for the first time at the Mumbai Indians nets and how he is not surprised with his success in the Test cricket.
“Not really surprised. He is unbelievable,” Hussey said on the “Willow Talk” podcast.
“I actually played a year with him in the IPL. I had one year at the Mumbai Indians.
“He was just a young kid coming through and I remember facing him in the nets and literally couldn’t get bat on ball.
“I felt like I was using a toothpick. I remember thinking oh I can’t even see the ball, can’t even pick the ball coming out of his hand. His action is so unique,” recollected Hussey.
“First impression I didn’t thought he will even get to the crease.
“He was staggering with his run up and I was like what’s going on here, who the heck is this guy and then suddenly woof the ball whistles past my eyebrows at 145kph.”
Hussey also revealed how in India people were with skeptical about Bumrah succeeding in the Test cricket.
“In India, initially all the talks were like how he will only succeed in the white ball cricket with that bowling action and that run up.
“It is too much pressure on the body. He can’t play Test cricket. But I always thought nah he has got the skills and ability and if he has the desire to play Test cricket he could and isn’t he doing it bloody well at the moment,” he said.
Hussey also recollected having a strong conversation with the young Jasprit Bumrah during a match between Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the IPL 2014.
“He burst onto the scene in the IPL. I remember having one stern word with him though,” he said.
“In one of his early games, he got AB de Villiers out ..obviously a great of the game and he gave him a big send-off and AB wasn’t too happy about it.
“He sort of stared him down and I remember just pulling Bumrah aside and saying ‘mate you don’t need to do that. You have got that much skill that much talent, getting the wicket is enough. That’s the biggest sledge you can give, you don’t need to give send-offs if you want to have respect in the game and get respected by your peers then maybe just don’t give send-offs’.
“He is such a humble and down to earth guy, it was bit off out of character for Bumrah. He is such a great guy. I love watching him bowl. He always got that smile on his face, he is always calms, consistent with his character. He doesn’t get too emotional and obviously a great talent.”
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