Jason Gillespie Ishant Sharma
(Photo: Twitter)

Ishant Sharma came as a breath of fresh air in Indian cricket when he first burst on the scene back in 2007-08. A tall lanky fast bowler, who had all the attributes required to become the best in the world, the Delhi pacer made a whirlwind debut in International cricket.

Ishant shot into limelight when he bowled a marathon eight-over spell to former Australian captain Ricky Ponting during the third Test of the 2007-08 Test series Down Under at the Western Australia Cricket Association Ground in Perth. Ishant made a batsman of Ponting’s caliber, who was at the peak of his powers back then, look out of depth against incisive pace and relentless accuracy. Ishant eventually got his man and a new star was born in Indian cricket.

Ishant Sharma 'Thirst For Knowledge' Impressed Jason Gillespie The Most During The Fast Bowlers Stint With Sussex
Ishant Sharma. (Photo: Twitter)

But as is often the case with prodigious talents, who burst on the scene in whirlwind manner, Ishant underwhelmed for a better part of the first seven years of his International career. But it was his stint with former Australian fast bowler Jason Gillespie at Sussex that proved to be a turning point in his career.

Prior to his stint with Gillespie, the problem with Ishant was he was just releasing the ball while pitching it on a fullish length rather than bowling it fast. And, even when he did, he would end up floating it. Gillespie asked Ishant to concentrate on hitting the knee-roll of the batsman, and that advice followed by his relentless hard work proved to be a game-changer for the Delhi fast bowler.

Read More  Jason Gillespie to take charge as Pakistan head coach after terminating contracts with South Australia
Ishant Sharma 'Thirst For Knowledge' Impressed Jason Gillespie The Most During The Fast Bowlers Stint With Sussex
Jason Gillespie. Getty Images

And, Jason Gillespie in a recent chat-show ‘Cow Corner Chronicles’ has revealed that what struck him the most about Ishant was his thirst for knowledge and his relentless drive to listen, pose queries and experiment with new things.

“You know what really struck me about Ishant was his thirst for knowledge, his willingness to listen, ask questions, try new things, because sometimes you can get senior players, experienced players who will just go about and do their thing,” Gillespie said on a chat show “Cow Corner Chronicles”.

Also Read: Ishant Sharma Picks The Most Memorable Spell Of His Career

Ishant Sharma was wonderful for us at Sussex- Jason Gillespie

Ishant Sharma 'Thirst For Knowledge' Impressed Jason Gillespie The Most During The Fast Bowlers Stint With Sussex
Ishant Sharma. (Photo: Twitter)

Gillespie further said that Ishant was fantastic for his county Sussex and his work ethic was something that impressed a lot of his teammates at Sussex.

“Knowing that he had an opportunity at Sussex, knowing that India were going to be playing in England, later on, I think he saw it as a very good opportunity, to learn and bowl in English conditions, and test himself. Look he was fantastic with us at Sussex, added Gillespie.

“The Sussex players were really impressed with Ishant’s work ethic. They loved his personality. He fitted in really well in the dressing room. His work ethic in the nets, or on the track was phenomenal. It was really good for our young seam bowlers at Sussex to see, that this is what it takes for a Test bowler,” he added.

Since the start of 2018, Ishant is the second-highest wicket-taker for India. In 19 Tests, the Delhi fast bowler has claimed 71 wickets at an average of 19.14 which includes four five-wicket hauls.

Read More  Jason Gillespie to take charge as Pakistan head coach after terminating contracts with South Australia