Stuart Broad Compares Jasprit Bumrah to Glenn McGrath for Balanced Delivery Stride

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Jasprit Bumrah, India's leading fast bowler, is expected to be a key player in the upcoming Test series against England, starting June 20 in Leeds.

His ability to surprise batsmen with his deceptive pace and balanced delivery stride has drawn comparisons to legendary Australian bowler Glenn McGrath. Stuart Broad, a renowned fast bowler, highlighted these attributes, noting Bumrah's unique approach.

Stuart Broad's Insights on Bumrah

Broad explained that Bumrah's run-up might seem slow, suggesting a delivery speed of 70 miles per hour. However, the ball often reaches the batsman at 90 miles per hour, catching them off guard. This contrasts with bowlers like Shoaib Akhtar, who maintained consistent speed throughout their run-up and delivery. Broad shared these insights during the 'For the Love of Cricket' podcast alongside Jos Buttler.

Broad also mentioned that Bumrah's short-stride pattern ensures he remains balanced and doesn't overstride. This balance is reminiscent of Glenn McGrath's delivery stride, which Broad considers one of the best in world cricket. Bumrah's technique makes him a formidable opponent on the field.

Bumrah's Impact on the Series

Bumrah is not expected to participate in all five Tests due to workload management, as confirmed by Ajit Agarkar and Gautam Gambhir. Despite this, Broad believes that if Bumrah plays all matches, he will take a significant number of wickets. The series begins in Leeds on Friday, and England will be cautious about facing him in multiple Tests.

Reflecting on past performances, Broad recalled an intense moment in Australia where Bumrah dismissed Usman Khawaja after a heated exchange with Sam Konstas. This incident showcased Bumrah's competitive spirit, which has been nurtured under Virat Kohli's captaincy.

Jos Buttler on Facing Bumrah

Jos Buttler praised Bumrah as the biggest star in the Indian touring squad. He noted Bumrah's unique run-up and action create awkward angles for batsmen. "I don’t think there’s a bigger star in that touring squad than Jasprit Bumrah," Buttler said. He added that Bumrah delivers the ball closer to the batsman than most bowlers, making it feel faster than it actually is.

Buttler described how facing Bumrah can make a batsman feel vulnerable. "For me as a right-hander, it always felt like it was coming in," he said. Yet, Bumrah could still beat him on the outside, leaving him feeling squared up and exposed.

The Challenge for England

Bumrah's presence poses a significant challenge for England. As Buttler stated, "He is a superstar bowler," and facing such talent is expected in international cricket. England will need to perform well against him to achieve success in the series.

Bumrah's skills and competitive nature make him a standout player in international cricket. His ability to maintain balance while delivering at high speeds sets him apart from many other bowlers. As the series unfolds, all eyes will be on how England manages to counter his threat.

With inputs from PTI