ENG vs IND: Get Him To Play Tests, Harden Him Like That - Madan Lal On Umran Malik's Career Path

Former Indian cricketer Madan Lal asserted that Umran Malik should be given opportunities in Tests more than T20Is following the thrashing he received in the third T20I against England.

Umran is in the early stages of his career and his bowling style is one-dimensional at the moment. He lacks the variations that are much needed in the shortest format.

Against the formidable batting lineup of England, Umran conceded a whopping 56 runs in his four overs. His pace was easily handled by the Englishmen and Umran couldn’t find an answer.

“Don’t make him play T20 cricket. Get him to play Test matches. Harden him like that. As a pacer, I say that he is a very good bowler but you have to make him a bowler. Give him a chance in Test cricket where he can bowl 10-15 overs and learn the craft of getting wickets,” Lal told Sports Tak.

“Speeds won’t be of much use if you don’t take wickets” – Madan Lal

Umran’s ability to take wickets in the middle overs is where he stands out among others. However, his economy is very high and the number of wickets he is taking fails to make up for the number of runs conceded.

“Here the batters were ready for him and he was the one who got hit the most. His deliveries were nicely coming on to their bats. I had said earlier that speeds won’t be of much use if you don’t take wickets and you don’t move the ball. He is inexperienced and that experience will come in Test matches. If I was the selector, I would not have taken him in the T20 squad,” he added.

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