The former cricketer Shane Watson has provided a major warning for BCCI regarding involving Mayank Yadav in Test Cricket.
Shane Watson Provides Mayank Yadav’s Warning
Former Australian Cricketer Shane Watson has warned the Indian team management about fast-tracking Mayank Yadav to test cricket as he bowls at an extreme pace.
The LSG pacer has been a sensation by the start of the IPL 2024 season and Shane Watson has already floated the idea of Mayank for India in the Border-Gavaskar series, which is set to be played later this year.
He declared that he should not be rushed to test cricket because he bowls fast. While speaking in the media, “Obviously, the talk of the town is Mayank Yadav, to be able to see someone of his world-class speed and then also world-class skill on display… Lucknow Super Giants are unbelievably lucky to be able to have him,” said Shane Watson.
Following his 3/27 returns in his IPL debut, he stunned RCB by grabbing 3/14 helping the side in the bowling department. He also dismissed Glenn Maxwell with a 151 kph delivery during the match against RCB.
“To be able to perform on the big stage against the best batters in the world and dominate them and blow them away is something very, very special.”
“Of course, in a perfect world, you’d love to see him playing Test cricket, but just knowing how challenging it is on your body as a fast bowler, to be able to get your body accustomed and resilient enough to be able to handle bowling at high speed, 15-20 overs a day in a Test match on a flat wicket, right now, I don’t see it necessary to be able to push his body to that limit.
“There’s not too many fast bowlers in the world who come through and can bowl at the speed and the control that Mayank does have, so they need to harness that young man’s incredible talent and skill that he’s got. So, by pushing him to play Test cricket right now, I think that’s not wise at all.
Watson feels that Mayank Yadav should stick to white-ball cricket for the moment before heading towards red ball format. India is set to play in the Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, Champions Trophy 2025, and T20 World Cup 2026.
“I personally think it’s a waste of Indian cricket, really trying to push him into four-day cricket and Test cricket, knowing the incredible value that he can provide in T20 and one-day cricket for India.
“I’ve seen it in the past, whether it’s in India or other parts of the world when everyone gets very excited about a young speedster that comes in, the thought is always, ‘oh, let’s push him to play Test cricket because that’s the ultimate’, and it certainly is, but that does take time.
“While his body is going to mature and get more resilient, which does take a number of years, then I think just by playing T20 and one-day cricket will gradually build up his resilience.
“So I’d love to just see him play the shorter formats while he’s just getting used to his body and his body’s building that strength that he does need,” Watson added. Lucknow Super Giants is currently positioned in the fourth spot of the IPL 2024 points table with two victories out of three matches they played.
LSG is scheduled to play their next match against Gujarat Titans on April 07 at Ekana Sports City, Lucknow.
