'Umran Malik should bowl so fast that..': Ishant Sharma's thrilling suggesting to Jammu Express

Veteran India pacer Ishant Sharma has given a thrilling suggestion to young Jammu and Kashmir Umran Malik and said that he should bowl fast enough for batters to close their eyes.

Ishant, who has played 105 Test matches, said that the 23-year-old should not concentrate on where his deliveries are landing and instead just focus on his strength of bowling fast.

"He shouldn't worry about where the deliveries land. With experience, he will understand. So if he can bowl at 150 or 160, he should concentrate only on that. He should just back himself and should not worry about leaking runs.

What is the use of bowling that fast if the batters don't end up closing their eyes in fear? So someone should tell him and give him the confidence that you have to bowl so fast that batters fail to see it," Ishant said on Cricbuzz show 'Rise Of New India'.

Umran Malik also gets suggestion from Shoaib Akhtar

Recently, Shoaib Akhtar - the fastest bowler in world cricket till date - also suggested that Umran should increase his run-up to increase his pace. The fastest bowler added that he would be happy if Umran breaks his long-standing record.

"I would take 26 yards to bowl. But Umran takes 20 yards. So when he goes to 26 yards, he will have different muscles. I am sure in times to come he will learn. If he needs any help I am always there for him. If he wants to break my record please take it away. It's been 20 years and it hasn't been broken, please break it. I will be the first guy to hug and kiss you," Akhtar told News24.

"He is very good. He is very strong and has a powerful run-up. He has nice arm speed. So Umran, bowl courageously and learn the art of bowling quickly. Learn the art of taking wickets. Even if you are getting beaten a lot, don't reduce your speed and aggression. Always bowl fast, and never leave it. When you go to the field, the ownership of the ground has to be yours. Don't break and train a lot."

Umran is currently part of the ongoing 3-match ODI series against Australia. He hasn't featured in the playing eleven of the first two ODIs.