Former Pakistan pace legend Wasim Akram has praised Jasprit Bumrah’s control on the new ball, saying that it is even better than his own. Akram made the comments while speaking to A Sports in Pakistan after Bumrah’s impressive performance against England in Lucknow.
Bumrah took three wickets for 32 runs in the match, helping India to a comfortable 100-run victory. He was particularly impressive with the new ball, swinging it both ways and beating the batsmen with his pace and accuracy.
Akram was particularly impressed with Bumrah’s ability to control the ball.
“When you bring the ball from the right-hand side, the ball is coming inside. So, the batsman will play from the angle. When the ball will come out from the inside, the batsman will be beaten,” he said.
Akram then went on to compare the Indian pace sensation with himself.
“When I used to out-swing the right-hand batter, I used to hold the ball like this and hit the wrist. So, the ball will come inside and go out. But, Bumrah definitely got better control with the new ball than me,” he added.
Speaking of the match, India were tested for the first time in the tournament after being put into bat first. They could only manage 229/9 in their 50 overs. Chasing, 230, England’s batters faltered. They were bundled out for 129. They could not handle the pace of Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah.
The 2019 champions now sit at the bottom of the table while the dominating victory propelled Team India to the summit. They are the only side yet to be beaten in the tournament.