The legendary Australian pacer, Dennis Lillee showered immense praises for the young fast bowler of India, Jasprit Bumrah for his exploits Down Under, saying that the latter is ‘outside the guidelines of normal fast bowling’.
In his recent interview with Ananda Bazar Patrika, Lillee said, “I think Jasprit Bumrah is very very interesting. He runs off a very short run-up. He jogs and then bowls with a very short run. He has got straight arms. His bowling is not textbook by any means, but it works. He is very different from other pace bowlers, which reminds me of another fast bowler of my era, who was very different from everyone else – Jeff Thomson. He is not as fast as Jeff Thomson was but similar in the sense that they were outside the guidelines of normal fast bowling action or technique.”
Bumrah is the highest wicket-taker for India after the first two Tests with 11 wickets already under his belt. When asked about India fielding four pacers in the second Test which they lost by 146 runs, Lillee said it is not only pacers, India is producing quality bowlers at the moment.
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Lillee further elaborated, “It is very satisfying to see that. But you know what, it is not just about fast bowlers, India is now producing quality fast bowlers. They are so well equipped in the pace bowling department now that if they have to pick four, they can pick four. And whatever little I have seen of them, they are very very good Test bowlers. I am pretty impressed with the way they bowled in the first two Test matches in Australia. They could have had a bit more luck, I guess.”
The fiery Australian pacer picked the Australian quicks ahead of Indians, adding that Nathan Lyon’s addition helps with the workload. He said that both the team have got very good pace attacks. But, he also feels that the Australian team is still better on a day the pacers have got the support of a good off-spinner like Nathan Lyon and it helps too.
On Virat Kohli, Lillee said the Indian skipper is as good as anyone he has seen. He further elaborated, “I think he is a great player, There is no need for me to even say because everyone knows that. What makes Virat great is first of all great technique, determination, balance and the time he has got to play the deliveries. He seems to see the ball early and all great batsmen have those four things. Technique, determination, balance and the ability to see the ball early. Virat is as good as anyone I have seen.”
