Kevin Pietersen calls for Umran Malik’s India Test debut – India should use him like Australia used Mitchell Johnson
India Today
Umran Malik has breached the 150 km/h mark on a consistent basis while playing for the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the 2022 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Former England skipper Kevin Pietersen said that India shouldn’t take time in drafting Umran Malik into their Test team. The 22-year-old Malik has been breathing fire for the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the 2022 Indian Premier League (IPL), clocking in excess of 150 km/h on a consistent basis. In 10 matches, the teeraway pacer has already picked up 15 wickets at an economy rate of 8.92.
Pietersen clearly stated that India should include Malik for India’s Test match against England later this year at Old Trafford in Manchester. The veteran said that the Three Lions’ batters wouldn’t be comfortable facing a bowler of Malik’s pace after taking part in the County Championship.
Pietersen said that India should use the Jammu and Kashmir fast bowler in short bursts, exactly how the Australian men’s team used Mitchell Johnson.
"There are so many exciting young Indian pace bowlers in the IPL at the moment. Of the overseas players, only Lockie Ferguson and Alzarri Joseph are matching them for pace. Kartik Tyagi and Mohsin Khan are both rapid, but the one that’s most exciting is Umran Malik. He bowled a 157kph delivery against Delhi on Thursday, which is serious pace,” Pietersen wrote in his column for Betway Insider.
“You could use him like Australia used to use Mitchell Johnson, in short three- or four-over spells so that he can just let rip. If I was an India selector, I’d pencil him in for that Test match against England in July. The England batters are currently facing 70mph seamers in county cricket, so they certainly won’t want to be facing 90-95mph bowling all of a sudden," he stated.
Pietersen also wished for the Rajasthan Royals (RR) to qualify for the playoffs and pull off something special as a tribute to the late Shane Warne. Moreover, he reckoned that the battle for the third and fourth spot has become intense with the 2022 IPL at its business end.
"The race for third and fourth spot in the IPL table is on. It should be a fascinating conclusion with Delhi Capitals, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Punjab Kings pushing Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bangalore... I’m also really hoping that Rajasthan Royals can make it, in memory of Shane Warne. Their tribute to the great man was amazing last Saturday and it would be very fitting if they can pull off something special over the next few weeks," Pietersen added.
