Key to Bumrah’s longevity is the other bowlers around him: McGrath

Right attitude: McGrath added that new India Test captain Gill has good composure.
| Photo Credit: R. RAGU

As India gears up for the five-match Test series in England starting later this month, former Australia pacer Glenn McGrath feels India’s pace attack needs to step up and reduce the burden on spearhead Jasprit Bumrah.

“Bumrah looks like he’s back to full fitness. He is a class bowler, there’s no doubt about that, but they want him fit and staying on the paddock. So the key to Bumrah’s longevity as well is the other bowlers around him,” said McGrath, who is in the city in his role as Director of Coaching at the MRF Pace Foundation.

“In Australia, he was a standout, but there wasn’t a lot of support. It’s important the others can bowl longer spells, which means Jasprit gets a bit more of a rest and they can use him a little bit better.”

The Australia legend also backed Prasidh Krishna as one bowler who can add teeth to India’s pace attack. In the IPL this year, the Karnataka pacer leads the wicket charts (25) and was impressive for Gujarat Titans.

Impressive

“Prasidh Krishna has impressed me for a long time. I thought he should have bowled a little bit more in Australia. He has always had that potential. He looks fit and strong. I think he looks confident.”

“When you bowl, and you are starting to play Test cricket, and you’re doing well in all formats of the game, that carries. He looks like he knows his game well, and he is confident. He has to keep backing himself and go out there and do the business,” the 55-year-old added.

The series against England will also usher in a new era, following the retirements of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and R. Ashwin. McGrath backed new Test captain Shubman Gill to do well.

“I know he has done better on home soil than abroad. And that’s his next challenge. As captain, he wants to go over there and set the standard, especially in England, where it can be interesting. So, it’s a challenge for him, but I think he’s got good composure. I like his body language and the way he goes about it. I think he will be a good captain,” said McGrath.