“Like Glenn McGrath”: Stuart Broad reserves special praise for Jasprit Bumrah

Stuart Broad, the former England pacer, has compared Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah and legendary Australian pacer Glenn McGrath, highlighting their similar “balanced delivery stride,” a key characteristic of both players.

Broad pointed out that Bumrah’s ability to beat batters and his control of his line and length make him one of the players to watch in the upcoming Test series against England.

“When he jogs in, you might think he’s bowling at 70 miles an hour, but then he surprises you at 90, making it hard to settle. It reminds me of facing Shoaib Akhtar, who would sprint in and bowl at 100 miles an hour without missing a beat,” Broad said.

“You’re always prepared, but Bumrah’s run-up is so well-balanced, with a short stride that keeps him in control, and he never loses his balance. I always admired Glenn McGrath’s delivery stride for the balance, and Bumrah is similar,” he added.

Bumrah won’t play in all five Tests of the series. Ajit Agarkar, chairman of selectors, and head coach Gautam Gambhir have clarified that his involvement will be managed through a workload strategy.

Broad, who played in 167 Tests, is confident that Bumrah would claim a “significant number of wickets” if he played in all five upcoming series matches.

“He’s someone to watch out for. If England face him in a five-match Test series, he’s likely to take a lot of wickets.

“I remember a memorable moment in Australia when he had an intense exchange with Sam Konstas while Usman Khawaja was on strike. He got Khawaja out with a great delivery and celebrated with a roar,” he mentioned.

“Bumrah has that fiery competitiveness that all fast bowlers need. You can see that sharp edge, which was certainly shaped in the era of (Virat) Kohli’s captaincy.”

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