"Without him, this series might have been more one-sided" - Glenn McGrath's massive statement on Indian ace ahead of BGT 2024-25 5th Test

Former Australian pacer Glenn McGrath hailed Jasprit Bumrah for his heroics in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy despite India trailing the five-match series 1-2. McGrath believes the series would have been more one-sided in Australia's favor if not for Bumrah's sensational bowling performances.

The ace Indian pacer is leading the way after four Tests with an incredible 30 wickets at an average of 12.83, with two four-wicket and three five-wicket hauls. Bumrah also captained India to their lone win in the series - the first Test in Perth in the absence of Rohit Sharma.

Reflecting on Bumrah's magical bowling display, McGrath told the media on the sidelines of his foundation’s cancer awareness event [via Sportstar]:

"He has been a massive part of the Indian team and without him, the series might have been more one-sided and what he does is special. Terrific young guy who has found a way to adapt. Absolutely incredible how he powers into bowl the last few steps."

He added:

"Got a little bit of hyperextension which I used to have as well. He is coping with it, he has incredible control both ways, guess they are managing him well. I am a massive fan of Jasprit."

Bumrah also achieved the 200-wicket milestone in Tests during the fourth Test in Melbourne, making him the only bowler in cricket history with 200 or more wickets at an average of under 20 (19.42).

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"He is a good young bowler" - Glenn McGrath on Prasidh Krishna

India Men's Test Squad Training Session - Source: Getty

Having worked at the MRF Pace Foundation for over a decade, Glenn McGrath was impressed with India's talent pool and singled out pacer Prasidh Krishna for a long and successful career.

Prasidh is part of the Indian squad for the ongoing Australian series but is yet to feature in a single outing. McGrath was also complimentary of the fearlessness of young Indian batters like Yashasvi Jaiswal.

“India, with 1.4 billion people, have absolute passion for the game of cricket. Working with MRF Pace Foundation for the last 12 years, we have Prasidh Krishna, who is in the squad. He is a good young bowler and I think, they will have a good career ahead of him. There’s no shortage of players and (it is) not just the bowlers but also batters like Yashasvi Jaiswal," said McGrath.

Prasidh has played 24 matches for India across formats and has picked up 39 wickets, including two ODI four-wicket hauls.

Meanwhile, Jaiswal is the second-highest run-scorer of the ongoing India-Australia series, with 359 runs at an average of 51.28.