CHENNAI: Lanky young medium pacer Jasprit Bumrah, who has made an impact in the shorter versions of the game by bowling the yorker effectively, is keen to graduate to the longer format of the game. He wants to channalise all his energy and use his success in the abridged versions of the game to earn a Test cap.
“It is always a dream to play Test cricket. I do not have a say in selection matters. But I try to do well whenever I get to play, be it for India or IPL. I have done well in Ranji Trophy as well. So it is up to them (selectors),’’ said Bumrah.
But is he mentally prepared to play Test cricket? “Yes, I am mentally prepared. I have bowled long spells before. I have played for India A, I have bowled in Australia as well. I am constantly working on my game. In future, if I get a call-up, I will be prepared,’’ explained the Gujarat strike bowler, who is here to play the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
But many have typecast him as a short-format bower. “I am not bothered what other people think. For me I know I can adapt, I can bowl differently in various formats. My preparation is different for each and every format. In the longer ones, I focus on bowling a consistent line, length and work on how to swing the ball. In the shorter formats, I focus on bowling the slower ones and the yorker,’’ he insists.
The 23-year-old revealed the secret behind his successful yorkers. “I used to play lot of tennis ball cricket before I began playing professional cricket. May be that could be one of the reasons for me getting the yorker right. But the craft requires a lot of practice. One have to consistently work on it, day in and day out. It is good ball to bowl, but a difficult one in a match situation.’’
He says that lot of effort and planning has gone into bowling confidently at the death. “You have to keep everything in mind and visualise. I have to keep in mind the wicket, the ground size, the dew factor, and which batsman is playing. When I bowl, I try to have my own field. I tell the captain, ‘this is the field I want, this is the ball I am going to bowl.’ If the captain has suggestions I incorporate it,’’ revealed Bumrah.
Fast bowlers hunt in pairs and the T20 specialist has benefitted from his chats with Mumbai Indians teammate Lasith Malinga. “I am comfortable bowling with anyone. In T20s, I have bowled a lot with (Ashish) Nehra. He has vast experience and his inputs have been helpful. I have in the past interacted with Malinga,’’ insisted Bumrah, adding that getting Steve Smith as his first victim gave lot of satisfaction.
ashok.v@newindianexpress.com