West Indian great Michael Holding calls for change in Jasprit Bumrah’s action

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Legendary West Indian pacer Michael Holding believes that the amount of cricket being played these days, is not favourable for the fast bowlers to stay fit regularly. His statement comes after Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah was ruled out of the ongoing Test series against South Africa due to a stress fracture in his lower back.

“Let me start by repeating what I have been saying for the last decade: There is too much cricket being played in the modern era and all cricketers are suffering because of that,” said Holding in an interview.

The 25-year-old Bumrah, is the spearhead of India’s bowling attack and has taken 62 wickets at an average of 19.24 in 12 overseas Tests. The seamer who is yet to play the longest format of the game at home, was in slight discomfort after the first Test against West Indies in Antigua. But he played the second Test only because of his terrific form and Holding feels that a change in his action could serve Bumrah in the long run.

“I wouldn’t be able to say that Bumrah’s action has caused him to have stress fractures as I have no idea where those stress fractures have occurred, but what I know and have said to him is this: If he wants to have a long career, he needs to have a run-up and action that puts a bit less stress on his body overall,” Holding said.

“Using such a short run and being so explosive at the crease puts a lot more stress on his body than, say, a Joffra Archer, who has such a smooth rhythmical run-up and action that allows him to distribute the workload over his body more efficiently,” he added.