Cricket

The West Indies fast bowlers have left an indelible mark on the annals of cricket, leaving a trail of broken bones and shattered dreams in their wake. One of the most iconic images in the sport is that of England's Mike Gatting, his nose shattered by a delivery from the legendary Malcolm Marshall.Marshall's pace was so fearsome that he once found a piece of bone embedded in the ball after bowling a delivery. Three days later, another West Indian fast bowler, Patrick Patterson, claimed four wickets on his Test debut, helping his team to a crushing 10-wicket victory. It was the first time in history that a team had lost 5-0 after just one Test.Generations of West Indian fast bowlers have terrorized batters with their raw pace and relentless aggression. Michael Holding's over to England's Geoff Boycott in Barbados in 1981 is widely regarded as the fiercest and finest in Test cricket history. Boycott was beaten by the first five balls, and the sixth prised his off stump out of the ground.In the days when such things were allowed, it was a thrilling spectacle to stand behind the nets and witness the sheer pace of the West Indian bowlers. Andy Roberts, Malcolm Marshall, and Joel Garner were among the most feared bowlers of their era.By far the fastest bowler I ever saw was Patterson, who tore apart the England batting lineup in a 5-0 Test series win. His pace was frightening, and my respect for batters like Sunil Gavaskar and Graham Gooch went up manifold."I knew if I got hit by any of his deliveries, I could die on the spot," said Krishnamahcari Srikkanth, who faced Patterson bravely in Sharjah and in home series. "I survived only because of my reflexes."There are few more thrilling sights on a cricket field than a fast bowler in flow. It appeals to something primal in us, affording us a glimpse of something refined for modern sensibilities. None of us likes fast bowling, said an English batter, but some of us don't let on. Opening batters are natural fits on psychiatrist's couches; to be unaffected requires the kind of mind and skill not available to all.Former England opener Steve James once said, "I was scared of fast bowling. Or to be precise, I was scared of being hurt by fast bowling. I am pretty sure many other batters had similar feelings, but how many admit it?"The death of Australian Phil Hughes from a bouncer in a first-class game has made the reaction to fast bowling more rooted in common sense and openness. In general, as studies have shown, a batter has 0.6 seconds to work out the line of the ball, figure out its likely course, decide on the stroke, and then for the limbs to receive that information from the brain before a stroke is played. Speed often defeats reactions, as fast bowler John Snow said.However you look at it, a West Indies batter reminding an English fast bowler of those waiting at home is simply delightful!

Jasprit Bumrah, the Indian cricket team's star fast bowler, has received widespread acclaim for his exceptional performances, including his pivotal role in India's T20 World Cup 2024 triumph. However, in a recent interview with Shubhankar Mishra on YouTube, Mohammed Shami, another Indian fast bowler, boldly declared himself as the best bowler in India at present.When asked, "Who is the best bowler in India?", Shami confidently replied, "Right now? I think it is me."Shami elaborated on his belief, stating, "The unit we had, me, Bumrah, Ishant, Bhuvneshwar, and Umesh Yadav, I don't think any unit in the world has enjoyed as much as we did. As a person, as a sportsman, the unit we had of 5-6 people was one of the best ever."Despite his self-assessment, Shami acknowledged the contributions of his fellow bowlers, saying, "I don't believe in No. 1 or No. 2. We all played our part."Shami also expressed his disappointment over not playing in the 2019 World Cup semifinal despite his impressive performances leading up to it. "In 2019, I didn't play the first 4-5 games. But when I got the chance, I took a hat-trick, then a five-wicket haul, and then four wickets in the next game," he said."A similar thing happened in 2023. I didn't play in the first few games, but then I picked up a fifer, then four wickets, and then a five-wicket haul again," he added.Shami questioned the team's decision-making, saying, "I took 13 wickets in three matches. What more do you expect from me? I neither have questions nor do I have answers. I can only prove myself when I get the opportunity."Despite his frustrations, Shami remains committed to the team and eager to prove his worth. "You gave me a chance, and I took 13 wickets in three matches. Then we lost to New Zealand. I played four matches overall and picked 14 wickets. In 2023, I picked 24 wickets in seven matches," he said.

Mohammed Shami, India's premier fast bowler, has made a triumphant return to the nets after recovering from an ankle injury that sidelined him from the T20 World Cup 2024. Shami, known for his exceptional swing bowling, was the highest wicket-taker at the ODI World Cup 2023, claiming 24 wickets in seven matches.In a recent podcast appearance, Shami shared amusing anecdotes about his camaraderie with Indian skipper Rohit Sharma and former captain Virat Kohli. When asked who between Rohit and Virat was more challenging to face in the nets, Shami revealed that both batsmen were reluctant to face him."They (Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma) don't like facing me in the nets," Shami said. "I have said this in many interviews. It's like a very friendly bond with Virat. We keep on challenging each other. He tries to play different shots against me, while I try my best to dismiss him. This friendship keeps us motivated, which helps us giving our hundred per cent."Shami added that he had dismissed Kohli twice or thrice in the nets, much to the latter's annoyance. "I always set the field well and then ask Virat to come and bat against me. Rohit never agrees to face me in the nets. He straight away says no," Shami said.The 33-year-old pacer also disclosed that Ishant Sharma and Kohli were among his closest friends in the Indian team. "There is a group of close friends which has Ishant Sharma, Virat Kohli and a few former cricketers and we keep talking to each other on the phone. But it's not like we speak regularly to each other," Shami said.Shami's return to fitness is a major boost for the Indian team, who are eagerly awaiting his return to action. The pacer is a key component of India's bowling attack and his experience and skill will be invaluable in upcoming matches.

Pakistan's rich tradition of producing exceptional fast bowlers continues with the emergence of Ubaid Shah, the younger brother of renowned pacer Naseem Shah. Ubaid, a right-arm medium-fast bowler, has impressed with his skills at the domestic and international levels.In a recent training session, Ubaid showcased his talent against Pakistan captain Babar Azam. With precise wristwork, he delivered a ball that swung in sharply, forcing Azam to miss and narrowly avoid being bowled. Azam's subsequent attempt to hook a short-pitched delivery also proved unsuccessful, as the ball struck his body.Ubaid's prowess was not limited to Azam. Left-handed batsman Fakhar Zaman also struggled against his bowling, narrowly missing the edge of his bat as the ball moved away and went straight to the keeper.Ubaid's impressive performances have earned him recognition at the international level. He was named in the ICC team of the tournament after claiming 18 wickets at an average of less than 14 runs per wicket in the 2024 Under-19 Cricket World Cup in South Africa.At just 18 years of age, Ubaid is poised to make his international debut for Pakistan's senior cricket team. His exceptional pace, control, and ability to swing the ball make him a formidable prospect for the future of Pakistan's bowling attack.

Mohammed Shami, India's premier fast bowler, has finally returned to the nets after a prolonged absence due to an ankle injury. The injury, sustained during the 2023 ODI World Cup, sidelined Shami for the IPL 2024 and the T20 World Cup.Shami's absence was a significant blow to India's cricketing aspirations. He missed the South Africa tour and the five-match Test series against England, where his experience and skill would have been invaluable.Despite playing through pain during the World Cup, Shami emerged as the tournament's highest wicket-taker with 24 wickets in seven matches at an astonishing average of 10.70. His performances were a testament to his resilience and determination.Shami's recovery has been a slow and arduous process. He underwent surgery earlier this year, but his rehabilitation took longer than expected. However, he is now cautiously returning to bowling, albeit at reduced intensity.In a recent social media post, Shami shared a video of himself bowling in the nets. The video shows him delivering a few deliveries with caution, indicating that he is taking a measured approach to his comeback.Shami's return is a major boost for India ahead of the home series against Bangladesh. India will host Bangladesh for two Tests and three T20 Internationals in September-October. Shami is likely to make his comeback in this series, where he will be eager to prove his fitness and regain his place in the Indian team.

James Anderson, the legendary English fast bowler, has announced his retirement from international cricket, bringing an end to a remarkable career that spanned over two decades. Anderson's final Test match was a fitting farewell, as he helped England secure an innings and 114-run victory over the West Indies at Lord's, the ground where he made his Test debut in 2003.Anderson's retirement marks the end of an era for English cricket. He is England's all-time leading wicket-taker in Test cricket, with 704 scalps to his name, and is third on the all-time list behind Muttiah Muralitharan and Shane Warne. Anderson's longevity and consistency are a testament to his skill, determination, and unwavering commitment to the game.Throughout his career, Anderson formed a formidable partnership with Stuart Broad, another English fast bowling legend. Together, they terrorized opposition batters with their relentless pace and swing bowling. Anderson's ability to generate movement off the pitch, both in the air and off the seam, made him a nightmare for batsmen.Anderson's retirement is a significant loss for English cricket, but it also marks a new chapter for the team. The likes of Ollie Robinson, Matthew Potts, and Saqib Mahmood are all promising young fast bowlers who will be looking to fill the void left by Anderson.Anderson's legacy will live on long after his retirement. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest fast bowlers of all time, and his achievements will continue to inspire generations of cricketers to come.

Jasprit Bumrah, the Indian pace spearhead, has emerged as the most dominant bowler of his generation, showcasing an unparalleled combination of skill, precision, and versatility. His exceptional performance in the recently concluded T20 World Cup cemented his status as a true maestro of the game.Bumrah's bowling technique is a marvel to behold. With a hyperextended right elbow and a braced left knee, he generates immense pace and momentum. His ability to shape the ball in the air, break away on pitching, and tail in late makes him a nightmare for batters. He can also grip and turn the ball, delivering it with a slight tweak of the fingers, making him equally effective against both right-handers and left-handers.In the T20 World Cup, Bumrah was the tournament's leading wicket-taker, claiming 15 wickets at an astonishing average of 8.26 and an economy rate of 4.17. His impact on India's campaign was immeasurable, as he consistently provided crucial breakthroughs and controlled the flow of runs.One of Bumrah's most memorable performances came in the final against South Africa. With India needing to defend 30 runs off 30 balls, Rohit Sharma turned to his ace bowler. Bumrah delivered a gun 16th over, conceding just four singles and putting immense pressure on the Proteas.In the 18th over, Bumrah produced another masterpiece, dismissing Marco Jansen with a pearler. This wicket tilted the balance in India's favor and paved the way for their eventual victory.Beyond his bowling prowess, Bumrah has also emerged as a leader and mentor within the Indian team. He was seen offering encouragement and guidance to his fellow bowlers, particularly Arshdeep Singh, who was the joint leading wicket-taker of the tournament alongside Bumrah.Former Indian pacer Lakshmipathi Balaji has hailed Bumrah as the second best Asian fast bowler ever after Wasim Akram, citing his ability to generate pace and power from the upper body rather than the lower body. Balaji also praised Bumrah's remarkable recovery from a career-threatening back injury last year.As Bumrah continues to dominate the world of cricket, his legacy as one of the greatest fast bowlers of all time is being cemented. His unique combination of skill, versatility, and leadership makes him a true force to be reckoned with.

Jasprit Bumrah's Stellar T20 World Cup Performance Earns Praise from Kapil DevIndian pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah has been in scintillating form during the ongoing T20 World Cup, drawing admiration from legendary former India all-rounder Kapil Dev.Bumrah's impressive performance has caught the attention of Dev, who believes the young pacer is far superior to what he was at his prime. "Jasprit Bumrah is a '1000 times better' bowler than what I was at my prime," Dev stated.Throughout the tournament, Bumrah has showcased his prowess, claiming 11 wickets in just 23 overs. His outstanding economy rate of 4.08 demonstrates his ability to maintain control and precision while consistently taking wickets."Bumrah is 1000 times better than me. These young boys are far better than us. We had more experience. They are better," Dev told 'PTI Videos'.Bumrah, widely regarded as the premier fast bowler in international cricket today, has represented India in 26 Test matches, claiming 159 wickets at an impressive economy rate below three runs per over. In the ODI format, he has taken 149 wickets across 89 appearances, while his tally in T20Is stands at 85 wickets from 68 games.Dev, who retired with a then world record of 434 Test wickets, is regarded as one of the greatest all-rounders in the history of the sport. He also achieved success in the ODI format, securing 253 wickets during his career.The 65-year-old World Cup-winning captain, who led India to their first-ever title in 1983, also expressed admiration for the overall fitness standards maintained by the current Indian team. "They are very good. Outstanding. They are fitter. They are much more hardworking. They are fantastic," he said.Bumrah's exceptional performance in the T20 World Cup has further cemented his status as one of the most formidable bowlers in the world. His ability to swing the ball both ways, generate pace, and maintain accuracy has made him a nightmare for batsmen.As India continues its quest for a second T20 World Cup title, Bumrah's contributions will be crucial. His ability to strike early and restrict the opposition's scoring will be key to India's success.

Curtly Ambrose, the legendary fast bowler, holds Jasprit Bumrah in high regard, despite the Indian spearhead's history of stress fractures. Ambrose believes that Bumrah's unorthodox action should remain unchanged, maintaining that all fast bowlers face the risk of injury when they step onto the field."I'm a big fan of Jasprit Bumrah," said Ambrose in an interview with PTI. "He's so unconventional but highly effective, and that's what I like about him. When you look at traditional fast bowlers, you wouldn't look at Bumrah, he's so unorthodox."At 30 years old, Bumrah possesses the ability to take wickets at any stage of a limited-over match. In Test cricket, he is equally effective with both the new and old ball, particularly when the ball starts to reverse swing. Widely considered the best all-format pacer in the game currently, Bumrah has encountered his share of back issues and underwent surgery in March of the previous year. Following an extensive rehabilitation period, he made his comeback prior to the ODI World Cup in India in November and has been in top form since then.Ambrose emphasized that Bumrah should maintain his current approach and technique, making no alterations to his bowling style. "He has done a great job for India and still doing a great job in all formats," said Ambrose. "He's someone I've always enjoyed watching because he's so different."Bumrah's unique bowling action, with his chest open at the point of delivery, can potentially put extra strain on his back. However, Ambrose believes that every pace bowler has to cope with certain risks associated with their craft. "From my little experience, there are no two bowlers who are exactly alike," said Ambrose. "In terms of his longevity, in terms of injuries, (for) every fast bowler, there is always risk of being injured. But at the same time you can't go out there thinking that wa."Ambrose, a towering figure at 6 feet 7 inches, consistently challenged the world's elite batsmen with his ability to generate extra bounce. However, he doesn't attribute the strain on Bumrah's back solely to his bowling action. "I've never been through it (stress fracture)," said Ambrose. "So it would be unfair for me to even try to say what to do. I will leave that for the medical expert. I don't think Bumrah's stress comes totally from his action."Ambrose also expressed concern about the increasing workload on players due to the packed global cricket schedule. "Too much cricket is being played as well," he said. "Players are leaving from one series to the next, there is franchise cricket as well. Guys could get burnt out."Despite the challenges, Ambrose believes that Test cricket remains the pinnacle of the sport. "I've always preferred Test match cricket over anything else," he said. "I believe at the end of a career, if you've been judged, if you want to become a legend, you have to play Test cricket. You would not become a legend playing ODIs or T20s."Ambrose concluded by expressing his admiration for the current generation of players, including Virat Kohli. "To dismiss them gives me more pleasure than dismissing numbers 9, 10, 11," he said. "You talk about these guys, they are great players (Kohli & Co). It would be nice to play against them but having said that, I've played against some greats in my time as well."