Shoaib Akhtar advises Bumrah to prioritize shorter formats over Test

Shoaib Akhtar advises Bumrah to prioritize shorter formats over Test

Shoaib Akhtar (L) and Jasprit Bumrah (R). -AFP/YouTube/TheNakashKhanShowpodcast

Legendary pacer Shoaib Akhtar has suggested that Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah prioritize shorter formats over Test cricket amid the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Reflecting on the pacer’s performance in the home series against New Zealand, Akhtar shared his thoughts during a conversation on The Nakash Khan Show podcast.

“You know, in Test cricket, you have to bowl longer spells. Batsmen don’t try to attack you, so length becomes irrelevant. You struggle if the ball doesn’t seam. When you start struggling, the team will start questioning .I think he is a good enough bowler to take wickets in Test cricket.

“Although he didn’t do much in the Test series against New Zealand, it happens. But if he wants to continue playing Test cricket, he will have to pick up the pace. If I were Jasprit Bumrah, I would opt for shorter formats. It just depends on how I feel,” he added.

The 31-year-old performed commendably in the first Test against Australia, leading his team to victory by 295 runs as stand-in captain.

Continuing the conversation, the 49-year-old former cricketer highlighted Bumrah’s performance in the shorter formats.

“He is a very good fast bowler for shorter formats. He understands line and length. His accuracy is brilliant. I think he does a great job in death overs, in powerplay and can swing the ball both ways.”

Despite taking five wickets in the Perth Test against Australia, Akhtar believes the right-arm fast bowler should step away from red-ball cricket.

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