Ex-Pakistan cricketer compares Jasprit Bumrah with Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis

Jasprit Bumrah was one of the shining lights for India in the losing cause during the first Test between India and New Zealand at Bengaluru. Bumrah produced his magic in different spells of the game and was rightly praised by former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali.

Basit compared India's pace bowling spearhead with the legendary Pakistan fast bowlers Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis. While praising Bumrah, the former Pakistan batter also lashed out at India's other fast bowler in the match, Mohammed Siraj.

While Jasprit Bumrah picked up 3 wickets in the match and bowled a sensational 8-over spell on the fifth day, he lacked support from the other end as Siraj leaked runs to release all the pressure. Basit Ali was quick to point out this aspect of the match.

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Basit Ali compares Jasprit Bumrah with Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis

While speaking on his YouTube channel, Basit Ali spoke about Jasprit Bumrah's magnificent spell of fast bowling on Day 5 of the Test. Basit claimed that the spell reminded him of the historic spells bowled by Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis in the past.

However, the former Pakistan batter reckoned that India will need two fast bowlers to support Bumrah and Siraj is not looking in great form currently. He noted that Bumrah does not have a good pace bowling partner at the moment.

"The eight-over spell that Bumrah bowled reminded me of Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis. But India need to take into consideration that they will need two pace bowlers alongside him when they go to Australia," Basit said.

"At the moment, he (Jasprit Bumrah) does not have a good pace bowling partner. (Mohammed) Shami getting fit before the Australia tour will be crucial for India," he added.

Mohammed Siraj a key bowler for India

Although Mohammed Siraj has a good record in countries outside Asia, he has not been in great form recently. His struggles are not a great sign for him and India who will be playing a Test series in Australia in just a month.

Mohammed Siraj is India's second-best fast bowler in the team after Jasprit Bumrah. Since Shami was injured, the expectations from Siraj have increased and he is expected to give Bumrah good support.

However, he had a disappointing Test match at Bengaluru where he finished with figures of 2-84 and 0-16 across the two innings. He was expected to perform better on the fifth day when there was enough in the pitch for the quicks.

New Zealand eye history

However, he was not able to pick up any wickets in the second innings. New Zealand won the first Test by 8 wickets and took a 1-0 lead in the series. It was their first Test win in India in 36 years.

The next two Tests of the series will be played in Pune and Mumbai. With India trailing in the series, they will be under pressure in the next game. Meanwhile, New Zealand will be eyeing a historic series victory over the formidable hosts.