‘Bowling 160 is not a big deal’ – Former Pakistani cricketer opens up on Umran Malik-Haris Rauf comparisons

Ever since star India pacer Umran Malik barged into the T20I and ODI setup of the Indian team, the fans are demanding his inclusion in the Test squad as well, given that the pacer has been growing in stature with every single outing for the Men in Blue. On the other hand, the neighbouring country has been producing fiery pacers time and time again, eventually sparking comparisons. 

While Malik remains the only Indian bowler to clock more than 150 km/h, Pakistani pacers like Haris Rauf and Shaheen Afridi have been proving their might by clocking 155 km/h constantly. Taking cognizance of the same, former Pakistani cricketer Aaqib Javed said that Malik is yet to get fit, unlike Rauf, eventually comparing the latter to Indian superstar Virat Kohli. 

Javed said comparing Malik to Rauf is like comparing the rest of the batters to Kohli, with the Indian batter standing out from the rest. The former Pakistani cricketer said that it would be vital for the Indian pacer to get things sorted and work on fitness. 

Bowling 160 kmph is not a big deal for me: Aaqib Javed

Further, Javed claimed that bowling 160 km/h would not be a big deal for him, saying that clocking 150 km/h right throughout the match would be. The 50-year-old said that it would not be ideal to compare the two pacers as the Indian pacer’s pace deteriorates after a spell of 7 to 8 overs in the innings. 

“Umran Malik is not as trained and fit as Haris Rauf. If you look at him in ODIs, in his first spell he bowls around 150 kmph but by the 7th or 8th over the speed drops to 138 kmph. The difference is the same as it is between Kohli and the rest of the batters,” Javed was quoted as saying to Events & Happenings Sports.

“He (Haris) is very disciplined with his diet, training and his lifestyle. I have not seen a single Pakistan bowler who has a diet like Haris. No one has a clear lifestyle like him. Bowling 160 kmph is not a big deal for me, but bowling at the same speed throughout the match is very crucial,” he added.