India's Test bowling star Jasprit Bumrah has often carried a heavy burden in the longer format.
Now former Australian legendary pacer Glenn McGrath has weighed in - suggesting India must deepen their fast-bowling reserves if they want Bumrah to feature regularly in Test cricket without risking burnout.
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McGrath reflected on the ongoing England-India Test series, which has been an encouraging sign for Test cricket's future.
But when asked about managing Bumrah's workload, McGrath was clear: India need more reliable pace options to ease the pressure.
India must build around Bumrah, says Glenn McGrath
Speaking to Sportstar, McGrath said that giving Bumrah only short bursts is not a long-term solution. He explained that the quality of India's backup seamers will determine how much they can ease Bumrah's load.
"If he is just bowling in short spells, then the batting team know they just can get through the three or four overs and then they're away," he said.
"I've watched Prasidh Krishna bowl in the IPL and I've always been a big fan of him," he added, though he expressed disappointment that the pacer hadn't gotten more chances during India's Australia tour.
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McGrath stressed the importance of building a strong fast-bowling bench to ensure Bumrah is not forced into long, draining spells. While some have suggested Bumrah consider limiting his appearances in shorter formats to preserve his body for Tests, McGrath was not convinced.
"He is so effective in One-Day and T20 cricket. To limit himself to Test cricket would be a shame," he said.
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Glenn McGrath backs Test cricket's revival
McGrath also praised the ongoing England-India series and the already-concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy. He called both contests a much-needed boost for Test cricket.
Despite unusually high scores in English conditions, he believes the format is still alive and well in Australia, India, and England.