Shoaib Akhtar Snubs Jasprit Bumrah As He Names Best Fast Bowler Of This Generation

Former Pakistan pacer, Shoaib Akhtar has named Mitchell Starc, who he believes is the greatest fast bowler of the current generation. Akhtar made this revelation on Twitter where he hosted a question and answer session for his fans.

When one fan asked Akhtar, “Greatest Fast Bowler From Modern Era?” the ‘Rawalpindi Express’ quickly replied the name of the Australian spearhead.

Mitchell Starc is one of the most dangerous and intimidating fast bowlers in the world – at his best, his pace combined with some helpful conditions make him arguably the most lethal pacer currently.

The left-arm pacer is a two-time leading wicket-taker in ICC World Cups – 2015 and 2019 – and the Man of the Tournament in the 2015 megaevent, where he castled New Zealand’s skipper, Brendon McCullum in the final setting up the game at the front for the hosts. He has picked 252 Test wickets at an average of 26 and 184 ODI scalps at 23.

Mitchel Starc

— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) January 3, 2021

Jasprit Bumrah is the smartest fast bowler presently: Shoaib Akhtar

While Akhtar may have named Starc as the greatest speedster of the modern era, however, not long ago, did the former Pakistani pacer picks India’s Jasprit Bumrah as the smartest fast bowler in the world currently.

The 45-year-old feels that Bumrah has a sharp brain and is impressed by Bumrah as a person and a bowler. Akhtar opines that Bumrah may not show aggression in his body language and doesn’t involve himself in any altercations; however, the Indian pacer is aggressive in his deliveries. He points out that while everyone had speculations about the longevity of Jasprit Bumrah owing to his unorthodox action, the pacer has vaulted all the odds and became a legend at a young age.

Bumrah, in 16 Tests hitherto, has picked 76 wickets – including a hattrick – at a fabulous average of 20 – add to it his heroics with the ball in white-ball cricket for India and for Mumbai Indians.

“Bumrah is the smartest fast bowler presently. People were doubtful about his fitness in Test cricket, even I was watching him closely. He has a quick bouncer, is deceptive and sharp and a good character this guy is,” Shoaib Akhtar told Sports Today.

“Bumrah has aggression in his length, not in his body. This is how I’m going to define Bumrah. There is aggression in the length he bowls, he defeats the batsmen with his length. His body language is not aggressive, he’s the nicest guy I’ve come across. But when he comes to bowl, in those 5 seconds he showcases his aggression in his length,” the former pacer said.

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