Stick to shorter formats: Shoaib Akhtar wants Jasprit Bumrah to quit Test cricket

Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has advised Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah to consider quitting Test cricket to preserve his longevity and focus on shorter formats. Speaking on The Nakash Khan Show podcast, Akhtar expressed concern over Bumrah’s ability to sustain the physical demands of Test cricket and highlighted the challenges facing fast bowlers in the longest format.

Despite Bumrah’s stellar Test record of 185 wickets in 42 matches at an average of 20.01, Akhtar believes the unique demands of Test cricket could affect his career trajectory. “Very good fast bowler for shorter and one-day formats because he understands the length. I think he does a great job in the death overs, in the powerplay and can swing the ball both ways.”

“But you know, in Test cricket, you have to play longer spells. You need pace because the batsmen are not trying to hit you,” Akhtar continued. “Length becomes irrelevant. You struggle if the ball doesn’t seam or turn along with that lack of pace. When you start struggling, that’s when people start wondering.”

However, Akhtar highlighted the differences between the limited-overs and Test formats, stating: “In Test cricket, you have to bowl longer spells. Pacing becomes critical because batters aren’t looking to hit you. When the ball doesn’t seam or vice versa, and if you lack pace, it can become a struggle. This can lead to questions about performance.”

Akhtar also acknowledged Bumrah’s fitness challenges, which have been a recurring concern in his career. He warned that the physical rate of keeping the pace high in Test cricket could lead to injuries. “I think he is good enough to take wickets in Test cricket. Although he didn’t do much in the Test series against New Zealand, it is happening,” Akhtar said. “But if he wants to continue playing Test cricket, he needs to increase the pace. With the injection of more and more pace, he has a high risk of injury. If I were him, I would have stuck to the formats shorter.”

“It just depends on how I feel. If I feel good, good, I’ll go there, doubt, make sure I take wickets for the team in Test matches. That’s good for me, but he’s got to look after him, for that he wants to play IPL, he wants to play ODIs, he wants to play Test matches as well,” Akhtar said.

The former Pakistan speedster also praised Bumrah’s contribution to the game, calling him “a great asset to world cricket”. Akhtar added: “We have to make sure we protect players like Bumrah and not overwork them, which could lead to burnout or injury.”

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