India vs Australia | VVS Laxman compares Jasprit Bumrah to Wasim Akram

Former Indian batsman VVS Laxman lavished praise on the Gujarat bowler who has firmly established himself in the Indian line-up having made his Test debut against South Africa earlier this year. Laxman added that Bumrah’s variations with the ball is what separates him from the other bowlers in modern cricket.

“What I liked was not even once did he lose control, or did he look as if he was ineffective. That shows on how much he was worked hard on his fitness, how skilful he is, and how much control he has got with his bowling. For me, the hallmark of a bowler is, is he executing the plans he has got for each and every batsmen? Right from ball one, he’s on the money. He knows where he has to land the ball, and he does that efficiently with the variations he has got. So, one thing that makes sure Bumrah is way ahead of other bowlers in international cricket, especially in Test match cricket, is the amount of variations he’s got," Laxman told ESPNCricinfo.

The 25-year old youngster finished with 9 for 86 in the third Test, which is now the most successful figure by an Indian pacer in Australia, breaking the record of the great Kapil Dev. His first innings figures - 6 for 33 helped India to fold Australia for a dismal score of 151 that handed the visitors a 292-run lead. In the second innings, he added three wickets to his tally and ended the year with 48 wickets to his name.