Lahore, March 14 Aaqib Javed, a senior selector for Pakistan cricket and former fast bowler, said on Saturday that fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah possesses a unique bowling action that prevents batsmen from settling into a rhythm, but he oddly compared Bumrah with Usman Tariq, the mystery spinner who featured in the recent T20 World Cup.
Usman was expected to trouble opposition batsmen in the World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka recently, but the Pakistani spinner had a largely quiet tournament as the team failed to advance to the semifinals after being eliminated in the Super Eights stage.
In contrast, India's bowling star Bumrah played a crucial role in the team's title triumph, particularly with decisive performances in the semi-final and the final.
Trying to defend Usman's poor performance, Aaqib said, "Look at the entire T20 World Cup – there's only one bowler, Bumrah, who is also now struggling with his run-up. Because he doesn't have a normal action, and has a different bowling action, he prevents batsmen from gaining rhythm or getting into a flow. I would say he is like Usman Tariq, but for fast bowling."
Aaqib's remarks drew criticism from cricket fans on social media, many of whom mocked the comparison between Bumrah and Usman.
One user said it was difficult to compare a spinner and a fast bowler, pointing out the vast difference in experience and achievements between Bumrah and Usman.
Bumrah has played 95 T20 Internationals and taken 121 wickets, while Usman has featured in only nine matches, claiming 18 scalps.