'He Has Better Ball Control Than...': Wasim Akram's 'HUGE' Praise For Bumrah

image-locp8utxJasprit Bumrah | Source: X.com

Former Pakistan pacer and legend, Wasim Akram, lauded the remarkable performance of Indian pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah in his scintillating display against England on Sunday, October 29 in Lucknow. Bumrah, who claimed three crucial wickets, was India's second-highest wicket-taker in the match.

India handed England a modest 230-run target in Lucknow, and Bumrah, in his typical style, got the party started by dismissing Dawid Malan and Joe Root within the first five overs. Bumrah (3/32) along with Mohammed Shami (4/22) then tore through England's lineup, bowling them out for just 129 runs in 34.5 overs. 

Reflecting on India's breathtaking bowling show against England on A Sports, the former Pakistan captain provided insights into what sets Bumrah apart from others: 

“He is the best in the world right now. Top of the ladder! The control, the pace, the variations, just a complete bowler. A treat to watch. With the new ball, to get this kind of movement on this kind of pitch … pace, carry, follow-through… you name it he’s a complete bowler.”

Wasim Akram went on to mention that Jasprit Bumrah exhibits better control over the ball, especially with his outswingers, than Akram himself had during his playing days. The Pakistan legend also lauded Bumrah for bowling deceptive deliveries that left batters bewildered. 

“When Bumrah is bowling to a left-hander from around the wicket and hits the ball on the seam… And when he’s bowling from wide of the crease, the batter will think the ball is coming inside. He will play for that angle, but the ball hits the pitch and moves away rather than coming in."


"Most of the time, you are going to be beaten. When I used to bowl outswingers like that to right-handed batters with the new ball, sometimes I couldn’t control the ball either. But Bumrah definitely has better control with the new ball than myself.” 

Bumrah Ke Spikes Chori Kar Lo: Wasim Akram

Akram further pointed out the fact that Bumrah is introducing a lot of uncertainty into the minds of the batters with his performances with the new ball in the ongoing World Cup. The former Pakistan pacer added:

"The length where he bowls with the new ball is what creates uncertainty for the batters. Bumrah ka ek hi ilaaj hai uspe pressure daalne: uske spikes chori karlo. Aur koi hal nahi hai [There’s only one way to put pressure on Bumrah. Steal his bowling spikes. There’s no other cure]. 

Jasprit Bumrah is the leading wicket-taker for India in the 2023 ODI World Cup, flexing 14 wickets from six matches with an economy rate of 3.92.