Curtly Ambrose backs Jasprit Bumrah to take 400 Test wickets

Veteran West Indies pacer Curtly Ambrose feels that Jasprit Bumrah has the potential to scale the landmark of 400 Test wickets if he can manage to stay fit and active in the format for that long. In a very short Test career so far, Bumrah has racked up some brilliant numbers, having scalped 83 wickets in just 19 Tests at an impressive average of 22.11. Sir Curtly Ambrose was a legend of the game himself and formed one of the most famed pace partnerships with Courtney Walsh from the late 80s to 2000. He ended his career with a massive 405 wickets in 98 Tests and 225 in 176 ODIs.

Known for his unsettling pace and bounce, the 6 ft. 7 inches tall Ambrose is to date counted as one of the finest to have played the sport. And when an appraisal comes from a stature of such a legend, one knows that the one being appraised is a special talent. Ambrose feels that has got everything needed to achieve success for a pacer in the five-day format. He can swing the ball both ways, has good pace under his belt, can surprise the batsmen with bouncers, and has a deadly yorker in his arsenal.

I am big fan of Jasprit Bumrah: Curtly Ambrose

“India’s got a few good fast bowlers. I’m a big fan of Jasprit Bumrah. He’s so different from any bowler I have seen. He’s so effective and I’m looking forward to him doing really well,” Curtly Ambrose said on The Curtly & Karishma Show on YouTube.

“He is as long as he can remain healthy, fit and play long enough. He can seam the ball, swing the ball and bowl great yorkers. He’s got a lot in his arsenal. So as long as he can remain on the park for a long period of time, I’m sure he can get up there,” Ambrose said.

Speaking about Bumrah’s run-up, he said: “You know in terms of fast bowling, it’s generally about rhythm. So, you need to build a good rhythm before you can deliver. Bumrah has got a very short run-up. He walks most of the way and maybe one to two or three jogs before delivery. So, it simply means he may be putting a little more strain in his body but if he can remain strong enough, I think he’ll be ok. It’s just about him staying strong to accompany that short run-up. If he can do that, he’ll go the distance,” Ambrose added.