Legendary Glenn McGrath has backed Prasidh Krishna to become Jasprit Bumrah long-term pacer partner. McGrath, who was known for his accurate line and length, said Krishna can be a more deadly bowler if he gets his length right.
The lanky pacer from Karnataka is a hit-the-deck bowler and has been a tad short in his length since making his debut. Krishna recently took five wickets in three ODIs against England at an average of 34.20.
The fast bowler has scalped 50 wickets in 28 ODIs whereas he has taken 25 wickets in seven Test matches.
“I’m a big fan of Prasidh. If he gets his length right, he’s got everything going for him,” McGrath was quoted as saying by The Times of India.
“He has really matured. He’s tall, bowls in good areas, generates bounce and has genuine pace. Occasionally he’s a little short, but apart from that, I think he’s the whole package. He’s really developed and put his potential into performance,” he said.
McGrath reckons it is never easy for a team when it is going through a transition phase. Mohammed Shami has overlooked for selection in all three formats of the game whereas Siraj is not backed in the white-ball versions of the game.
“You’ve got Bumrah, who’s a class bowler, and Mohammed Shami, who’s world-class as well. Mohammed Siraj has been around for a long time too. You can’t just expect to pick up straight where you left off. It’s always going to be a transitional period,” he said, referring to the Australian team, which will also go through a similar phase.
“Other than Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc, hardly anybody gets a chance… So it’s not going to be easy for Australia either,” he continued.
The former Australian pacer reckons Bumrah puts his body under more stress with the heavy last few steps in his run-up.
“The way he powers through those last few steps probably puts more stress on his body than most bowlers. It’ll be interesting to see how he manages himself,” McGrath said.
Bumrah has been picked in India’s squad for Sri Lanka Tests, but his selection is subject to fitness clearance.
