Michael Hussey recalls facing young Jasprit Bumrah: Couldn’t even see the ball-OxBig News Network

Former Australia cricketer Michael Hussey recalled facing a young Jasprit Bumrah in nets during his stint with the Mumbai Indians (MI) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2014. Notably, Bumrah had announced himself with a sensational debut against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the 2013 season picking 3/32 in four overs.

Since then, everybody took notice of the young seamer from Gujarat as he got the prized scalp of Virat Kohli as his maiden IPL wicket. Recently, Hussey also recalled facing a young Bumrah in nets and revealed how he was tested by him. The legendary Australian batter mentioned how Bumrah’s unusual action left him unsettled that he couldn’t even see the ball.

“I remember facing him in the nets and literally couldn’t get bat on the ball. I felt like I was using a toothpick. I couldn’t even see the ball, let alone pick it coming out of his hand. His action is so different, so deceptive. My first impression? I honestly didn’t think he’d even make it to the crease. His run-up was staggered and awkward. I remember thinking, ‘Who is this guy?’ And then suddenly, woof – the ball whistles past my eyebrows at 145kph!,” Hussey said on Willow Talk.

Further speaking ahead, Hussey revealed how people felt that Bumrah was not made for Test cricket in his early days and mentioned how he’s proved everyone wrong.

People said his action and run-up would be too hard on his body: Hussey

“In India, there was so much scepticism. People said his action and run-up would be too hard on his body, that he wouldn’t last in Test cricket. But even back then, I could see his skills and ability. I knew that if he had the desire to play Test cricket, he could succeed. Isn’t he doing it bloody well at the moment? It’s just phenomenal to see how he’s grown. Watching him transform from a kid in the nets who terrified us to one of the best bowlers in the world has been incredible,” he added.

Bumrah made his Test debut in 2018 and became the leader of the Indian pace attack within a year. He’s scalped 194 wickets from 43 matches so far at an average of 19.52 which is only second best to Sydney Barnes among bowlers with over 150 Test wickets. The India speedster is the current number ranked bowler in Test cricket with 890 ratings to his name.