Former West Indies fast bowler Curtly Ambrose believes that Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah can reach the milestone of 400 wickets in Test cricket if his body gives him support. Bumrah, who first made an impact on the international scene in the shortest format of the game with his yorkers and variations, has slowly made his mark as one of the best bowlers in the world across formats
Talking about India's pace attack and especially Bumrah on his show The Curtly and Karishma Show' on YouTube, the legendary pacer with 405 wickets in 98 matches for the West Indies in Tests said, "India's got a few good fast bowlers. I'm a big fan of Jasprit Bumrah. He's so different than any bowler I have seen. He's so effective and I'm looking forward to him doing really well.
Bumrah, who has played just 19 games in the longest format of the game has taken 83 wickets, with a strike rate of 22.51. Asked if he can potentially reach the milestone of 400 wickets, Ambrose said, "
He is as long as he can remain healthy, fit and play long enough. He can seam the ball, swing it and he has got great yorkers. He's got a lot in his arsenal.
"So as long as he can remain on the park for a long period of time, I'm sure he can get up there," he added.
"You know in terms of fast bowling, generally it's about rhythm. So, you need to build up a good rhythm before you can deliver," Ambrose explained. "Bumrah has got a very short run up. He walks most of the way and maybe one or two or three little jogs before delivery. So, it simply means he may be putting a little more strain on his body but if he can remain strong enough, believe he can go the distance."
"It's just about him staying strong to accompany that short run-up. If he can do that, I think he'll be okay," the West Indies legend said.
Ambrose also heaped praise on Team India skipper Virat Kohli and said that as a batsman he is one of those players whom one would pay to watch. "I am a big fan. Virat Kohli's one of those guys that you would pay to go watch. He's so classy and easy on the eye. He's just a wonderful cricketer in all formats.
Talking about India's chances at the World Test Championship (WTC) final against NEw Zealand next month in Southampton, Ambrose said that it is necessary for Indian batsmen to get good starts in English conditions.
"It's going to be very important that opening batsmen lay the foundation. If they lose one or two wickets pretty early, it exposes captain Kohli and the other guys in the middle order. If they do get a solid platform from the openers, I am sure it will make life a lot easier for the middle order and they can get to a good total," Ambrose said.
