‘The last two…’: Glenn McGrath decodes how Bumrah generates pace

NEW DELHI: Legendary Australian pacer Glenn McGrath on Tuesday issued a cautionary note regarding Jasprit Bumrah‘s bowling action, emphasising the need for the Indian pace sensation to take an “off-season.” McGrath highlighted the risk of potential injuries for Bumrah due to the extensive effort required by his bowling action.
Bumrah had endured a significant period on the sidelines after undergoing back surgery for a stress fracture in March 2023.Prior to this, he had been out of action since September 2022, missing both the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia and the IPL 2023.Despite his injury setback, Bumrah made a swifter-than-expected return to lead India in the three-match T20I series against Ireland last August. His immediate impact was evident as he went on to secure 20 wickets in the 50-over World Cup.
McGrath stressed that considering Bumrah’s unique bowling action and workload, it is imperative for him to take a break from the game. This respite would allow him the necessary time to recover and reduce the risk of further injuries associated with the strenuous demands placed on his body during bowling.
“The last two strides that he takes, he just powers into the crease. Thus, his momentum increases, and that’s where he gets the pace,” McGrath said during an interaction with the media at the MRF Pace Foundation in Chennai.
“Someone like Bumrah needs an off-season because he puts so much into every ball. With so much extensive effort, he needs a break. If he keeps playing, the amount of pressure created given the bowling action he has, he is bound to get injured, which he has in the past,” said the fast bowling great.
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McGrath highlighted that India’s depth in right-arm pacers has alleviated the need for the team to actively seek out left-arm bowlers.
“The Indian fast bowling has been set for a long time and hasn’t had a big turnover. The way (Mohammed) Shami, Bumrah, (Mohammed) Siraj and Umesh (Yadav) have delivered, only when they move older, we can think of having a change,” McGrath said.
“We have Avesh Khan and many others in the fray. We will see in the future. Having so many good right-arm bowlers is the reason why we haven’t seen a left-arm Indian pacer lately,” he added.
McGrath expressed his confidence in Australian pace bowlers Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins, emphasizing that their hefty price tags in the IPL auction history should not affect their performance on the field.
Starc was acquired by the Kolkata Knight Riders for a staggering Rs 24.75 crore, while Cummins was snapped up by the Sunrisers Hyderabad for Rs 20 crore.
Despite the substantial amounts involved, McGrath believes both players have the skill and temperament to thrive in the IPL and deliver impactful performances for their respective teams.
“For Starc, he chose not to come to the IPL due to personal reasons. But he comes back and gets a record price,” McGrath said.
“He will be looking forward to it. On his day, if he is moving the ball around, he will be as good as any other fast bowler. The money that they have received is incredible. But they are both very experienced players and know the game well,” he added.
“They are going to go out and play well as they have done in the past. I don’t think it (the price tag) will impact them even one per cent,” McGrath said.
McGrath referenced the enduring career of England’s 41-year-old pace bowler, James Anderson, as a testament to longevity in cricket while discussing Starc’s future.
“It all depends on what he wants. He is 34, I retired when I was 33, and Jimmy (James) Anderson is still moving the ball at 41. It’s about how much game time he gets and how he and his body are enjoying it,” he said.
Despite Australia’s victory in the World Cup final against India last year, McGrath acknowledged that players from Down Under still encounter challenges in adapting to the conditions.
“It’s just the attitude of the Australian sports people — they are very competitive and back themselves to perform on the big stage,” he said.
“They used to adapt better before. India is always the toughest place for the Australians to adapt. They haven’t been able to adapt to the spin conditions here as better as other countries do,” he said.
(With PTI inputs)