McGrath backs Bumrah's recovery, praises India's Champions Trophy strategy
What's the story
Legendary Australian pacer and MRF Pace Foundation director Glenn McGrath has supported Jasprit Bumrah's recovery from a lower-back injury.
The star Indian fast bowler missed the recently concluded Champions Trophy and is expected to be unavailable for the initial weeks of IPL 2025.
"He has done it before (making a comeback from injury), he will know better than anyone (about) the recovery time," said McGrath about Bumrah as quoted by Times Of India.
Here's more.
Injury management
Bumrah's unique bowling style requires extra care
McGrath further highlighted that Bumrah's unique bowling action places extra strain on his body compared to other bowlers.
He said, "He has to work even harder off the field."
The former cricketer compared fast bowling to driving a car, saying without proper training and recovery, a bowler could run out of stamina.
"Being a fast bowler is like driving a car. If you do not top it up with fuel, you are going to run out of fuel," he added.
CT triumph
McGrath praises India's performance in Champions Trophy
Reflecting on India's recent Champions Trophy victory, McGrath praised the team's ability to adapt to conditions and play well.
He commended Virat Kohli's return to form and acknowledged Australia's missed opportunities in the semifinal due to missing key players.
Despite speculations of an unfair advantage for India playing all matches at one venue, McGrath rejected such claims stating, "I do not think that they had an unfair advantage."
Cricket analysis
India's dominance in white-ball cricket and future prospects
McGrath also noted how IPL has helped India dominate white-ball cricket, saying, "Their IPL and T20 cricket has had a positive impact on one-day cricket."
He added that India is confident and knows their game well.
Going forward, McGrath said that while India has quality players for Test matches, they need to ensure their second-tier bowlers are of high quality to support Bumrah.
Stats
Bumrah's career stats
The pacer owns 205 Test scalps across 45 Tests at an average of 19.40. He also boasts five 13-wicket wicket-hauls in 86 innings.
According to ESPNcricinfo, Bumrah owns 149 ODI wickets at 23.55, including an economy rate of 4.59. He also has bagged six four-wicket hauls and two five-wicket hauls in 89 ODIs.
In T20Is, he has picked up 89 wickets at an average of 17.74 alongside an economy of 6.27.