New Delhi: While team India is looking for a replacement for Jasprit Bumrah, former Australian pacer Brett Lee backs youngster Umran Malik. Indian team, which is off to Australia to play the T20 World Cup still has question marks over Bumrah’s replacement. Though there are reports that Mohammed Shami is fit to play, and while people are rooting for Deepak Chahar and Mohammed Siraj, Brett Lee wants Malik to join the squad.
Talking to a media outlet, Lee appreciated Umran Malik’s ability to bowl at 150 km/h and said, ” I mean when you have the best car in the world, and you leave it in the garage, then what’s the point of having that car? Umran Malik should have been picked in the Indian squad for the World Cup.” He accepted that he is still young and raw, but in Australia,’ the ball flies through’. According to the pacer, a person bowling at 150 km/h can be felt different from one bowling at 140 km/h.
Talking about Bumrah’s injury he said that it has affected India’s chances in the tournament and it might put some pressure on Bhuvneshwar Kumar.
India currently has Bhavneshwar, Arshdeep Singh and Harshal Patel in the pace-bowling attack with Hardik Pandya playing the role of a fast-bowling all-rounder. India’s death bowling has been concerning in the past as Bhuvi being a new ball bowler has been unable to do it, while Harshal Patel does not looks in good rhythm after coming back from injury. While Umran Malik might not solve the problem, his pace is can be an added dimension to the attack.
Umran has played three T20Is against Ireland and has picked two wickets, giving runs at an economy of 12.44. He played well in the Irani Cup, picking up three wickets in the game and is currently playing for Jammu and Kashmir in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. As Malik and Kuldeep Sen are appointed as the net bowlers in Australia, there might be an outside chance for Umran Malik to get into the squad.
