Team India’s new speedster Umran Malik has been bowling tremendously and clocked 157 km/hr in the recently concluded ODI series against Sri Lanka. The 23-year-old fast bowler’s wicket-taking delivery was recorded on the speedometer above 95m/hr. Umran’s feat saw him overtake Jasprit Bumrah’s record of 153.36 km/h, which he bowled against Australia in 2018.
Meanwhile, Umran is eyeing to break Shoaib Akhtar’s 161.3 km/hr ball record, former Pakistani pacer achieved this feat in the 2003 ODI World Cup.
Shoaib suggestion to Indian speedster for breaking his record-
“He is very good. He is very strong and has a powerful run-up. He has nice arm speed. You saw when he struck Shanaka, it was ruthless bowling. So Umran, bowl courageously and learn the art of bowling quickly. Learn the technical aspect.
“Never reduce your aggression, even if you are getting beaten a lot, then also don’t reduce your aggression. Always bowl fast, and never leave it. When you go to the field, the ownership of the ground has to be yours. Don’t break and train a lot,” said the former Pakistani pacer.
In 224 appearances for Pakistan, this speedster picked 4⃣4⃣4⃣ wickets with 16 five-wicket hauls ??
He delivered the fastest ball officially recorded at a speed of 161.3 km/h.
Happy Birthday to the #RawalpindiExpress, @shoaib100mph!pic.twitter.com/G2j7HEURm9
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) August 13, 2019
Due to his fast bowling ability and action, India’s young bowler is always compared to Pakistan’s former fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar. The Pakistan star was the first to break the 100m/h barrier in international cricket and has a record for the fastest delivery in International cricket ( 161.3 km/hr).
“You are playing for a great country. People care a lot and respect a lot. So never let down their feelings and bowl with a big heart.
“I would take 26 yards to bowl. But Umran takes 20 yards. So when he goes to 26 yards, he will have different muscles. I am sure in times to come he will learn. If he needs any help I am always there for him. If you want to break my record please take it away. It’s been 20 years and it hasn’t been broken, please break it. I will be the first guy to hug and kiss you,” concluded Akhtar on the Indian speedster.
The ‘Rawalpindi express’ bowled his fastest delivery in the ODI World Cup 2003 against England in Capetown South Africa. The 161.3 km/hr delivery made him the first player to break the 100m/hr barrier in cricket. The right-arm pacer was famous for his fast bouncer and dipping yorkers.
In the ongoing India vs Australia (IND VS AUS) ODI series, after the first innings ended, team India bowled out visitors for 188 runs, earlier Hardik Pandya-led side won the toss and opted to field, while Umran was not picked up for play XI for the first game at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.