Australia great Glenn McGrath, who now serves as the director of MRF Pace Foundation in Chennai, handed a piece of advice to India speedster Umran Malik.
Malik, India’s young pace sensation, has been quite impressive in his young T20 career so far, with his ability to clock consistently above 150 kmph being a standout trait. The 22-year-old delivered one at 157 in the IPL 2022 while playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad, and that speed would only be bettered by Lockie Ferguson in the final.
Such sought-after was Umran’s pace that he was one of SRH’s three retentions ahead of the 2022 mega-auctions, alongside Kane Williamson and young Abdul Samad. He bagged 22 wickets at 22.5, including a five-for, and subsequently earned an India call-up. He played three T20Is for India recently – two in Ireland and one in England.
While most bowlers forego pace to seek control at the highest level, former Australia great Glenn McGrath has asked Umran to keep bowling fast while trying to find his accuracy.
“I haven’t seen a huge amount of Umran Malik but the fact that he can bowl at a good pace is impressive,”
the former Australia international told cricket.com.
“Sheer pace is unique. You can’t teach someone to bowl 150-plus, they’ve got to be able to naturally do that. I hate seeing bowlers slow down to get control. I like to see bowlers working harder on control, putting the time and effort in the nets to get to know their game while still bowling at top pace.”
McGrath pays a visit to the academy thrice a year to oversee the development of young India quicks.
“You’ve got to have a really good work ethic to be a fast bowler. You’ve got to be prepared to work hard and put your body through pain.
And then on top of everything, mental strength and attitude. The difference between a good bowler and a great bowler lies in the mind,”
he added.
Also read 👉The rise and rise of Umran Malik, the quickest Indian quick
