"If I was Jasprit Bumrah, I'd stick to shorter formats"- Shoaib Akhtar thinks Indian fast bowler should leave Tests because of 'lack of pace'
Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar thinks that Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah should leave Test cricket. He opined that Bumrah should stick to shorter formats only because he lacks the extra pace to succeed in Tests.
During an appearance on the TNKS podcast, Shoaib Akhtar was asked about his opinion on Jasprit Bumrah. The former Pakistan player explained that Bumrah can achieve success with his line and length in shorter formats. However, he believes the Indian ace cannot do that in Tests because the batters do not try to attack more in this form of the game.
Giving an example of Bumrah's performance in the home series against New Zealand, Akhtar said:
"You know, in Test cricket, you have to bowl longer spells. The batters don't try to attack you, so length becomes irrelevant. You struggle if the ball doesn't seam then. When you start struggling, the team will start questioning. I think he is a good enough fast bowler to take wickets in Test cricket." [From 45.01 onwards]
"Although he didn't do much in the Test series against New Zealand, it happens. But if he wants to continue playing Test cricket, he has to increase pace. With injection of increasing pace, he has a high risk of getting injured. If I was Jasprit Bumrah, I'd stick to shorter formats. It only depends on how I feel."
Bumrah has managed his workload properly to remain available for India in important matches across all matches. He has also been a part of both the Tests played so far against Australia. In fact, he starred in the team's historic win in Perth.
"He is a very good fast bowler for the shorter formats"- Shoaib Akhtar on Jasprit Bumrah
During the same interview, Akhtar further said that Bumrah understands line and length properly. He believes the Mumbai-based pacer also has the ability to swing, which makes him a perfect pacer for the shorter formats. Akhtar continued:
"He is a very good fast bowler for the shorter formats. He understands line and length. His accuracy is brilliant. I think he does a great job in death overs, in powerplay and he can swing the ball both ways."
Although Akhtar thinks Bumrah should leave Test cricket, the Indian fast bowler probably has no intentions to do the same. Bumrah will be in action for India in the third Test against Australia, starting on December 14 in Brisbane.