Former Australia pacer Glenn McGrath is impressed by Sunrisers Hyderabad’s tearaway fast bowler Umran Malik, who has got everyone talking with his sizzling performances in the ongoing IPL 2022.
The 22-year-old Jammu and Kashmir speedster has taken 15 wickets – including a five-wicket haul – in 11 matches, but has also leaked runs at a high economy of 9.1. He’s really been bowling hot and cold; he’s gone wicketless in the last three matches and in those conceded at over 12 runs per over.
Glenn McGrath said that although the high pace is a good trait to have, it’s important that Malik put more effort into the control of his lines and lengths. The legendary Aussie believes that if Malik can add more control of his deliveries plus his extreme pace, he will be good to get into any team in the world.
“Sheer pace is important but Umran Malik has to be prepared to put the work in to get that control and if he can combine control with that sheer pace then he’ll get into any team in the world,” Glenn McGrath told Sportstar.
McGrath further said that Malik has to perform well for more than just one or two seasons and keep adding more skillset to his arsenal. He also emphasised the fitness factor; having gone through all sorts of ups and down himself as a fast bowler, McGrath explained that as Malik’s career progresses his pace will demand more from his body and the youngster should take care of his fitness going forward.
“It’s about doing well in the second season and third season, once the batters get to know your bowling. When you are bowling 150 kmph-plus, that’s a lot of stress on the body and if you don’t put the work off the field to keep yourself strong, sooner or later you are going to break. When you are sitting and watching from the sidelines and they’re not picking you anymore, it’s not much fun,” the Australian legend asserted.
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