Lasith Malinga praises Jasprit Bumrah's execution of yorkers and slower deliveries

What's the story?

Sri Lankan fast bowling veteran, Lasith Malinga has expressed his happiness over the growth of Jasprit Bumrah in world cricket. Malinga appreciated Bumrah's execution of slower deliveries and yorkers besides talking about his role in the Gujarat-based pacer's journey.

The background

Jasprit Bumrah made his IPL debut in 2013 as a part of Mumbai Indians. Though the right-arm fast bowler conceded runs at an expensive economy rate, he gained the fans' attention with his unique action. The fast bowler has evolved a lot since then as he stands at the number one position in the ICC ODI rankings for the bowlers.

He has played 12 Test matches for India, scalping 62 wickets at a strike rate of 43.70. In the 50-overs format, Bumrah has taken 103 wickets in 58 matches while having an economy rate of just 4.49. He has defied the world's best batsmen with his variations, pace and bounce.

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The heart of the matter

Jasprit Bumrah is at the fifth position in ICC Test rankings

Talking to cricket.com on Friday (29th November), Lasith Malinga praised the grasping power of the 25-year-old and said:

"Jasprit might have options better than me too for getting inputs; he has the kind of brain which can collect and work on all advises he gets. It is evident from how he executes his yorkers and slower balls, it is just unbelievable how he does it. He is very hungry to learn.”

He further took note of his number 1 ranking and added:

“I am really happy to have helped someone while I am still playing international cricket, and he is the World No. 1 bowler now. Happy to have given him tips which make him recognise my contribution in his career. I think everyone should share their experience and expertise with young players so that cricket is the eventual winner.”

What's next?

Jasprit Bumrah is currently out of action with a stress fracture. The right-arm fast bowler is expected to return in 2020. He will be looking forward to play with Lasith Malinga in IPL 2020.