Glenn McGrath: Others around him bowling longer spells key to Jasprit Bumrah's longevity
As India gears up for the five-match Test series in England starting later this month, Australian legend Glenn McGrath feels India's pace attack needs to step up and help reduce the burden on spearhead Jasprit Bumrah.
'Bumrah looks like he's back to full fitness. He is a class bowler, there's no doubt about that. But they want him fit and staying in the paddock. So the key to Bumrah's longevity as well is the other bowlers around him,' said McGrath, director of coaching at the MRF Pace Foundation.
'In Australia, he was a standout, but there wasn't a lot of support. It's important the others can bowl longer spells, which means Jasprit gets a bit more of a rest, and they can use him a little bit better.'
McGrath also backed Prasidh Krishna as one bowler who can add teeth to India's pace attack. In the IPL this year, the Karnataka pacer leads the wicket charts (25) and was impressive for the Gujarat Titans.
READ: PBKS vs RCB, IPL 2025 Final: For Shreyas Iyer, job is only half done
'Prasidh Krishna has impressed me. He has impressed me for a long time. I thought he should have bowled a little bit more in Australia. He has always had that potential, I think. He looks fit and strong. I think he looks confident.'
'When you bowl, and you are starting to play Test cricket, and you're doing well in all formats of the game, that carries. He looks like he knows his game well and is confident. He has to keep backing himself and go out there and do the business,' the 55-year-old added.
The upcoming series against England will also usher in a new era, following the retirements of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. McGrath backed Shubman Gill, who has been elevated as the new Test captain.
'I know he has done better on home soil than abroad. And that's his next challenge. As captain, he wants to go over there and set the standard, especially in England, where it can be interesting. So, it's a challenge for him, but I think he's got good composure. I like his body language and the way he goes about it. I think he will be a good captain,' said McGrath.
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