Lasith Malinga wants Jasprit Bumrah to play Test cricket without injuries

After his impressive shows for India in limited-overs cricket, Jasprit Bumrah was included in the Test squad for India’s tour of South Africa. Though India couldn’t evade a series-defeat, Jasprit Bumrah took rapid strides and ruffled the feathers of the South African batsmen. The lanky fast-bowler nipped out 14 wickets in three games and subsequently, earned praises for the cricketing fraternity.

However, fitness is paramount in order for a pacer to sustain the rigours of Test cricket. There have been several bowlers who refrained from playing the format owing to fitness issues, Lasith Malinga is one of them. The Sri Lankan pacer bowed out of the most demanding format of the game back in 2011 owing to his long-standing injury in his right knee.

Malinga sets target for Bumrah

Nevertheless, the Lankan fast bowler wants his Mumbai Indians’ teammate to play Test cricket for a substantial period. “Now he is in the Test team, I am really happy that he got a five-wicket haul in South Africa. This means he has now arrived in world cricket. I want him to play, maybe, another 10 years, without any injuries. I want him to play consistently for India,” Malinga was quoted as saying to Hindustan Times in a recent interaction with the media.

The Lankan has also hailed the Indian fast-bowling prodigy for his prowess of holding his nerve in crunch situations. “He has experience, he knows (how to handle) pressure, so many people at the Wankhede Stadium are cheering (for him). He has played with so many good players; he bowls in those challenging periods. He has learned a lot, and that is why he has achieved what he has,” Malinga added.

Both players have had contrasting fortunes of late. Jasprit Bumrah has been outstanding with his Yorkers and deceptive changes of pace. On the contrary, Malinga is contemplating his retirement from international cricket owing to dying interest from the game after a lacklustre period.