IND vs SL: "He’s A Rare Diamond"- Tom Moody Hails Speedster Umran Malik

Published - 14 Jan 2023, 11:46 AM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:15 AM

Photo Credit: (BCCI)

Tom Moody, a former cricketer for Australia, praised Umran Malik highly and referred to him as a unique jewel. In the few chances he had to play with the India colors, Malik showed some outstanding bowling skills.

With a 156 kmph delivery in the first ODI against Sri Lanka, the Jammu and Kashmir bowler already holds the record for the fastest ball by an Indian in international cricket. In ODIs, IPL, and T20Is, the 23-year-old holds the record for delivering the quickest ball by an Indian.

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Exciting To See The Indian Team Embracing Umran Malik: Tom Moody

Moody is delighted to see Umran receiving frequent opportunities in white-ball cricket from the Indian team management.

“It’s exciting to see the Indian team embracing him and he’s getting the opportunity to play at the highest level. It’s where he is going to do his most amount of learning,” Moody told Sports Tak.

“Around a high-performance environment, he is continuing to improve, like all fast young fast bowlers, it takes time and you have to be patient,” Moody added.

Umran, who had been a player for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL 2022, attracted attention by taking 22 wickets in 14 games and winning Emerging Player of the Year. He made his debut in the international arena last year during the Ireland trip after the IPL revolution. The Jammu and Kashmir pacer gained attention for consistently hitting 145 kmph.

Small Steps With Regard To Umran Malik’s Development Are Important: Tom Moody

Moody praised Umran and remarked that it’s hard to find quick bowlers who can exceed 150 kph.

“But he’s a rare diamond. You rarely find fast bowlers that bowl 150+ kmph,” said Moody.

When asked if Umran should be given a shot on the Test side as well, Moody said that incremental measures must be taken to ensure his development on a large platform.

“For me, I don’t have crystal ball. At the moment, small steps with regard to his development are important. Indian selectors and coaching team realise that it’s important to integrate him in the T20 and fifty-over game. He’s getting those experiences,” Moody added.

In his first seven ODIs, the 23-year-old has taken 12 wickets at an average of 25.25. He has a 10.9 economy rate in 6 games, which has made him quite pricey in T20Is.

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