Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Mohammed Siraj to retire soon? Glenn McGrath's sensational revelation

Former Australian pacer Glenn McGrath commended James Anderson on reaching the remarkable milestone of 700 Test wickets. Glenn McGrath advised Mohammed Shami to draw inspiration from James Anderson’s fitness to prolong his international career.

Mohammed Shami has been out of action since the 2023 ODI World Cup final. According to reports, the veteran pacer played the entire tournament with an ankle injury. Subsequently, he missed the two-match Test series against South Africa in away conditions.

Shami was expected to return during the five-match Test series against England at home. However, he underwent successful surgery on his Achilles tendon. The pacer is likely to miss the entire Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season, starting on Friday, March 22.

Mohammed Shami Is An Exceptional Bowler – Glenn McGrath

During an MRF Pace Foundation event in Chennai on March 9, Glenn McGrath cautioned that aging could pose challenges for fast bowlers in the long term. McGrath urged Mohammed Shami to look at James Anderson’s fitness standards.

“It’s tough, but the one thing that bowlers like him (Shami) possess is experience. He’s been around for a long time and is an exceptional bowler, But, as you get older, you still need motivation to train hard, prepare and get out there and perform. Look at someone like James Anderson, who is 41, taking 700 Test wickets and still bowling well,” McGrath said.

“So, you can still be at the top of your game. But as you get older, being a fast bowler it is tough on the body, and it can certainly have an impact in the longer run,” he went on to add.

James Anderson played four of the five Tests in the recently concluded series in India. The 41-year-old bowler picked up 10 wickets at a disappointing average of 33.50. He completed 700 Test wickets in Dharamsala, where England suffered an innings and 64-run loss.

Have Done The Job For A Long Time – Glenn McGrath

Glenn McGrath praised India’s current pace bowling lineup, highlighting the significance of Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami. He emphasized their pivotal role before the reins passed to the next generation of bowlers.

“We have to wait and see the next generation coming through. (Jasprit) Bumrah has still got a bit to go, (Mohammed) Shami is a little older, and (Mohammed) Siraj has been around for a little while but still has plenty left. So, the (current Indian) bowling attack has still some life left. They are exceptional and have done the job for a long time,” McGrath further stated.

India’s star duo, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammed Shami, are currently in their prime. Bumrah (30) has secured 159 wickets in 36 Test matches, while Shami (33) boasts 229 wickets in 64 matches. Siraj (29) has also demonstrated his talent with 74 scalps from 27 matches.

Bumrah and Siraj will be next seen in action during the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League. Bumrah will represent the Mumbai Indians (MI) in IPL 2024, while Siraj will play for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).

Also read: AUS Vs PAK: Glenn McGrath Lists 1 Australian Bowler Who Will Break His Record