Jasprit Bumrah doesn't overcomplicate things: Mitchell Johnson

Former Australian quick Mitchell Johnson, who recently retired from all forms of cricket, lauded his former Mumbai Indians team-mate Jasprit Bumrah for taking giant rapid strides in his young international career. Regarded as a white-ball specialist during his initial days in international cricket, Bumrah has taken Test cricket like a fish to water.

India’s pace spearhead was instrumental in bowling out England on Day 1 of the fourth Test in Southampton for a meagre total of 246. He returned with the figures of 3 for 46 runs in 20 overs. In the previous game, he took a five-wicket haul in the second innings of the Trent Bridge Test to help India get back in the series with a thumping 203-run victory.

Johnson, in an interview with Times of India, lavished praises on Bumrah and said that the 24-year-old has further strengthened the pace bowling attack of India. He also recalled the way the youngster had hit him on the helmet in the nets during the IPL.

“Bumrah has impressed me from Day 1. I remember facing him in the (Mumbai Indians) nets and he hit me on my helmet with a short ball and I thought he was quick. He keeps things simple and doesn’t try to overcomplicate things. There is a lot of talent and the current Indian fast bowlers have got pace and skills to back it. They have a lot of firepower. Whether it’s the most potent, we will have to wait and see,” he said.

He is getting better

Bumrah rose through the ranks by performing well in the IPL. His unorthodox action was deceptive and made life difficult for batsmen facing him for the first time. He generates good pace, but according to Johnson, his accuracy puts him a notch above his peers.

“There was a point when batsmen had started to get on top of him and we had a chat regarding this. I told him that he needed to think ahead of the game. He is in the right environment at the moment and is getting better with each match. Bumrah’s pace coupled with his accuracy is impressive,” said the owner of 590 international wickets.

~ Written by Adnan Khan