Jasprit Bumrah has once again captured the attention of the cricketing world, not just for his exceptional bowling skills but also for the distinctiveness of his run-up. England batter Ben Duckett recently lauded Bumrah, acknowledging the uniqueness that sets him apart as a bowler. This appreciation highlights the effectiveness and unusual nature of Bumrah's approach to the crease.
Duckett, speaking after a day's play in the recent Test match against India, described Bumrah as the "best bowler in the world," emphasizing his ability to perform regardless of the conditions. Duckett pointed out that Bumrah is effective even on the flattest Indian pitches and becomes particularly challenging when bowling "down the hill with the lights on," managing to swing the ball both ways.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Bumrah's bowling, according to Duckett, is the difficulty in reading him. He noted that Bumrah can deliver a variety of deliveries – bouncers, slower balls, outswingers, and inswingers – without giving any discernible cues. This unpredictability, combined with his exceptionally fast wrist action, forces batsmen to watch the ball with intense focus. Duckett contrasted this with other bowlers, against whom batsmen can often pick up subtle clues from their hand action, indicating the type of delivery.
Bumrah's unique run-up is central to his effectiveness. Unlike many fast bowlers who rely on a long, rhythmic approach to build momentum, Bumrah utilizes a shorter, more controlled run-up. This compact approach helps conserve energy and maintain a high level of control over his body movements. As he approaches the crease, he gathers momentum, culminating in a powerful and quick release.
Former England bowler Stuart Broad has also praised Bumrah, drawing comparisons with Australian legend Glenn McGrath. Broad noted that Bumrah's run-up is "so balanced" and that he "never gets over stride and of balance." He highlighted Bumrah's ability to bowl at high speed despite his seemingly gentle approach, creating an element of surprise for the batsman. Broad believes that this balanced delivery stride is a key factor in Bumrah's consistency and accuracy.
Analyzing Bumrah's action further reveals several unique elements. His jump is effective, providing the necessary height and allowing him to cover an optimum length. He employs shin lead to generate more pace and gathers his bowling arm far behind his back during the jump, maintaining stability by holding his action.
At the point of delivery, Bumrah extends his front foot completely before landing, aiding swing-leg retraction. He often lands on his heel first, a technique that contributes to stability and efficient energy transfer. His ability to impart backspin on the ball causes it to lift and fall closer to the batter, making it difficult to anticipate. Additionally, Bumrah's late release and quick arm action, combined with a steady head position, further enhance his effectiveness.
Despite the benefits of his unique action, it has also contributed to injuries. The reliance on his delivery stride for generating speed, rather than a long run-up, places considerable pressure on his back, leading to injuries.
Jasprit Bumrah's unorthodox yet highly effective bowling action has made him a formidable force in world cricket. His unique run-up, combined with his ability to disguise his deliveries and maintain high pace and accuracy, makes him a challenging prospect for any batsman. The praise from England's Ben Duckett and Stuart Broad underscores the distinctiveness and effectiveness of Bumrah's approach, solidifying his reputation as one of the best bowlers in the world.
