Border-Gavaskar Trophy Would’ve Been More One-Sided Without Bumrah, Says McGrath

SYDNEY: Jasprit Bumrah’s incredible performance has prevented the Border-Gavaskar series from becoming completely lopsided in Australia’s favour, said pace great Glenn McGrath, lauding the India spearhead for his ball-control.

India trail 1-2 in the five-match series that will conclude with the game here starting on Friday. Bumrah has been the visiting side’s standout performer with 30 wickets so far at a jaw-dropping average of less than 20. India’s batting, however, has been poor and lacked planning.

“He has been a massive part of the Indian team and without him, the series might have been more one-sided and what he does is special,” McGrath told media on the sidelines of his foundation’s cancer awareness event.

“Terrific young guy who has found a way to adapt. Absolutely incredible how he powers into bowl the last few steps,” McGrath said of Bumrah’s short run-up.

The man with 563 Test wickets also found eerie similarities between him and the Indian in terms of hyper-extension of their arms (when the elbow joint bends backward beyond its normal range).

He said it allows them to land the ball a few inches further.

“Got a little bit of hyper extension which I used to have as well. He is coping with it, he has incredible control both ways, guess they are managing him well. I am a massive fan of Jasprit,” said McGrath.

Having worked at the MRF Pace Foundation in Chennai, McGrath is impressed with the talent pool in India and said one of his wards, Prasidh Krishna, has a bright future.

“India, with 1.4 billion people, have absolute passion for the game of cricket. Working with MRF Pace Foundation for the last 12 years, we have Prasidh Krishna, who is in the squad.

“He is a good young bowler and I think, they will have a good career ahead of him. There’s no shortage of players and (it is) not just the bowlers but also batters like Yashasvi Jaiswal.

“What’s good about these young players is they are fearless. We have got Sam Konstas who is similar.”

He is also confident that Mitchell Starc will be fit and available for the final Test. But will Australia risk him? “It also depends on the state of the Test series, and it is a massive game. Australia haven’t beaten India in the last two (Border-Gavaskar) series and that is unheard of.

“This is a massive Test. Guess it will be upto Mitch and he will do anything possible to play the match.” IANS

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