Cricket

Brett Lee: Fast Bowlers Struggling to Master Yorkers, Except for BumrahLegendary Australian fast bowler Brett Lee has expressed concern over the lack of proficiency in executing yorkers among fast bowlers, with the exception of India's Jasprit Bumrah. Lee believes that mastering this crucial delivery is essential in the modern cricketing landscape, where high scores are becoming increasingly common."On a general rule, other than Bumrah, we haven't seen enough fast bowlers nailing their yorkers recently," Lee said at the launch of the Legends Intercontinental T20 league. "I want to see fast bowlers bowl more yorkers. I still don't reckon they execute enough yorkers at the death."Lee emphasized the effectiveness of yorkers in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where they have consistently proven to be economical, with an average strike rate of less than 100. However, he acknowledged the challenges posed by innovative batsmen who can scoop the ball over the head."I'm all for batters smoking the ball all over, but there has got to be something for the bowlers too," Lee added. "I'm not asking for a green top, where teams bowled out for 110, because that's not good for cricket either."Lee believes that a good total in T20 cricket is around 185 to 230 runs, but recent scores have reached as high as 277. This makes it difficult for bowlers to contain the opposition, as they often concede 45 to 50 runs in their four overs.Regarding Australia's T20 World Cup squad, Lee believes that David Warner has earned the right to retire on his own terms. Despite the impressive performance of young batter Jake Fraser-McGurk in the IPL, the selectors have opted for the experienced Warner, Travis Head, and Mitchell Marsh in the top order. McGurk has been named as a traveling reserve.Lee advised McGurk to be patient and not rush his career. "I think if you go over there as a reserve batsman, you definitely have a chance to get an opportunity," Lee said. "But the advice to him, and he articulated it beautifully to say that he's only 22 years of age (araam se araam se). He's got time. There's no point rushing it."

Dwayne Bravo: Yorkers, Fast Bowlers, and CSK's Bowling DominanceIn the lead-up to the Indian Premier League (IPL) match against the Lucknow Super Giants, Chennai Super Kings' bowling coach Dwayne Bravo shared his insights on the significance of yorkers, his preferred fast bowlers within the squad, and the team's unwavering commitment to being the most astute bowling unit in the tournament.The Importance of YorkersBravo emphasized the pivotal role of the yorker as the primary weapon for pacers, stressing that sustained success in the T20 format hinges on mastering this delivery. He highlighted the consistent use of yorkers and their diverse variations by some of T20 cricket's most accomplished bowlers, including himself, Jasprit Bumrah, Lasith Malinga, and Matheesha Pathirana."You cannot last long without a yorker. If you look at players who have had most of the success in T20 cricket, Lasith Malinga, Bumrah or Pathirana, myself when I played, we had a similar plan, try to bowl as many yorkers as possible, with our variations," said Pathirana.CSK's Preferred Fast BowlersBravo praised the young Pathirana, who shot to fame with his slingy, Malinga-like action. During the last season, he took 19 wickets in 12 matches for CSK. Currently, he has nine wickets in four games of IPL 2024."Pathirana is very special. I call him Baby Malinga. I also call him Baby GOAT (Greatest of All Time). He is not someone you try to coach because he has a natural ability and skill," Bravo said.Bravo also pointed out that Bangladesh veteran Mustafizur Rahman is also very special to him. He has taken 11 wickets in six games in the ongoing season."He has the reputation of having one of the best slower balls in the world. You don't try to over-coach these players. You just empower them with knowledge, and information and try to keep it simple," he added.CSK's Bowling PhilosophyThe West Indies legend is also impressed with pacer Tushar Deshpade, who made a name for himself with a breakthrough IPL 2023. He took 21 wickets in 16 games to guide CSK to their fifth title win.Bravo said that during the team meetings, CSK asserts its resolve to be the "smartest bowling team in the competition" and prepares for all possible scenarios and does not look to repeat its mistakes."We do drills, especially by keeping in mind the ground dimension. We practice with vision, with a purpose. When people look at us, they should see a plan, sometimes it does not work, but most times, it will," Bravo added.

Mukesh Kumar, the promising Indian pacer, has made a significant impact on the cricketing scene with his impressive performances in all three formats. In an exclusive interview, Kumar shared his insights on his bowling prowess, the guidance he has received from senior bowlers, and his aspirations for the upcoming season.Kumar's journey to the international stage has been marked by consistent performances in domestic cricket. His ability to deliver in all three formats has earned him recognition as a versatile bowler. In 2023, he made his international debut in all three formats, showcasing his skills against some of the world's best batsmen.One of the key factors behind Kumar's success has been his ability to execute accurate yorkers. He credits his confidence in landing the yorkers to his early days in cricket, where he honed his skills in gully cricket. Kumar's yorkers have become a potent weapon in his arsenal, helping him to restrict batsmen and create pressure situations.Kumar has also benefited from the guidance of experienced fast bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah and Ishant Sharma. He has learned the importance of not allowing batsmen to dominate and the value of unpredictability in his bowling. Bumrah's advice to bowl yorkers with the new ball has been particularly influential in Kumar's development.In the Delhi Capitals squad, Kumar has found a mentor in Ishant Sharma. Sharma's experience and knowledge have been invaluable to Kumar, who seeks his advice on bowling techniques and strategies. Sharma's belief in Kumar's abilities has instilled confidence in the young pacer.Kumar is excited about the upcoming IPL season and is determined to help Delhi Capitals win the title. He is also looking forward to the T20 World Cup, but remains focused on the present and his short-term goals.The recent introduction of fast bowling contracts by the BCCI has been welcomed by Kumar. He believes it will recognize the efforts of young pacers in domestic cricket and provide them with a sense of security.