Is India’s Jasprit Bumrah capable of hitting 400 Test wickets, a feat accomplished by just 10 bowlers in the format’s history? Ok, if you believe West Indies fast bowling legend Curtly Ambrose, who is a “huge fan” of India’s pacer but also believes that keeping a high degree of fitness over time is crucial.
Since making his Test debut in 2018, Bumrah has established himself as one of the best pacers of his generation. What adds to his charm is a one-of-a-kind, unconventional action that few believe would eventually prove to be a major roadblock.
However, he has established himself in all three styles, showcasing a diverse set of abilities that has baffled batters from all over the world. Even, Bumrah has a long way to go in his red-ball career, having appeared in just 19 Tests and taken 83 wickets, including five five-wicket hauls.
“India has a couple of strong fast bowlers. Jasprit Bumrah is one of my favourite cricketers. He’s unlike any other bowler I’ve ever seen. On YouTube’s The Curtly & Karishma Show, Ambrose said, “He’s so effective, and I’m looking forward to him doing very well.”
“He is as long as he can stay well, fit, and play long enough,” Ambrose said in response to the question of whether the 27-year-old Indian can scale the mountain of 400 Test wickets. He has the ability to seam the pitch, swing the ball, and bowl excellent yorkers. He has a sizable arsenal at his disposal. So long as he can be on the park for a long time, I’m sure he’ll be able to get up there.”
During a legendary career that spanned 1988 to 2000, Ambrose took 405 wickets in 98 Tests. And the 57-year-old believes that, considering the fact that Bumrah puts more pressure on his body due to a fast run-up, he can have a long and fruitful career if he stays in shape.
“When it comes to fast bowling, it’s just about rhythm,” Ambrose said. “So, before you can produce, you need to have a strong rhythm. Bumrah has a very brief preparation period. He marches the most of the way and jogs up or two to three times before giving birth. So it just means he’s putting a bit more pressure on his body, but I think he’ll be fine if he stays healthy enough.”