New Delhi
Former Australian cricketer Michael Hussey shared his experience of facing young Jasprit Bumrah for the first time during his brief stint with Mumbai Indians in 2014 and Hussey revealed that he could not have imagined the fast bowler rising so fast. Could, but he wasn’t completely surprised either. The former Australian batsman reflected on his early encounters with Bumrah, his doubts about his unorthodox bowling style and the tough advice given to the young fast bowler early in his career.
“When I was with Mumbai Indians, I played a year with them in the IPL. He was a young kid just emerging,” Hussey told Willow Talk. I remember facing him in the nets and not really being able to put the bat on the ball. “I felt like I was using a toothpick.”
The Australian great was amazed by Bumrah’s unique action and fast pace. “I couldn’t even see the ball, leave alone recognize the ball coming out of his hand. His action is so different, so confusing. My first impression? I honestly didn’t think he would even reach the crease. His run-up was wobbly and awkward. I remember thinking, ‘Who is this guy?’ And then suddenly, woof – the ball passed my eyebrows at a speed of 145 km per hour!” At the time, Bumrah was seen as a white-ball specialist with limited ability for Test cricket. Hussey recalled the conversation going around in Indian cricket circles at that time.
“In India, there was a lot of skepticism,” Hussey said. People said that his action and run-up would be too tough for his body, that he would not be able to survive in Test cricket.” “He thought he was only made for white-ball cricket. But even then, I could see his skills and potential. I knew that if he had the desire to play Test cricket, he could succeed. Hussey never stops praising Bumrah’s achievements in the longest format of the game. “Isn’t he doing very well at the moment? It’s amazing to see how they are progressing.”
Hussey also spoke about a game-changing moment in the early stages of Bumrah’s IPL career. It was a match between Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2014, when Bumrah dismissed the legendary AB de Villiers. Hussey recalled, “He dominated the IPL and bowled brilliantly. I remember one game in which he dismissed AB de Villiers. Obviously, AB is one of the greatest players and Bumrah gave him a wonderful farewell. AB was not happy.” Hussey also did not like the farewell.
After the game, the veteran player took the young bowler aside to give him advice. “I told him, ‘Dude, you don’t have to do this. You have great skills and talents. Just taking wickets is the biggest statement you can make. If you want respect in the game and from your teammates, you don’t need a farewell.”
Hussey admitted it was an unusual moment for Bumrah, whom he described as one of the most humble and down-to-earth cricketers he had ever met. “He is a great guy. Farewell was different from his nature. He is always smiling, always calm and consistent in his behavior. He is not very emotional. That’s why he’s such a brilliant bowler and it’s so nice to watch him play.”
Looking back, Hussey is amazed at how far Bumrah has come since those early days. “He is incredible. It’s incredible to see him become one of the best bowlers in the world. From a kid playing in the nets to one of the most respected cricketers in the world, it is a joy to watch.”
