Former Indian fast bowler Ashish Nehra thinks Bumrah’s unorthodox bowling action has nothing to do with his recent back injury and that he can continue with it when he comes back.

Nehra, who played his last T20I in 2017 against New Zealand, has a good knowledge of injury management as he had gone through 12 surgeries during his career. He thinks Bumrah can bowl with same pace and intensity by sticking to his action after recovery.

Jasprit Bumrah was diagnosed with a minor stress fracture in his lower back ahead of the three-match Test series at home against South Africa and will also miss the series against Bangladesh.

Read: How bad is India’s 'Bumrahbone' fracture?

 "Stress fracture is unrelated to action and we must get our concepts clear. He doesn't need to change his action and if he tries to do that, it won't be great. Let me assure you when he comes back, he can bowl with the same action, intensity and pace," Nehra told PTI.

"His action is not that unconventional as it is made out to be. The alignment of his body at the time of delivery is perfect.

"The only aspect that is not copybook is his left hand (works like a pivot), which doesn't go up. Even then, his action is 10 times better than Malinga. Malinga's knees, back leg bends giving a look of a javelin thrower."

Nehra is known for his in-depth analysis and technical knowledge regarding fast bowling. His experiences with injuries and the comebacks that he has made shows that he knows a thing or two about rehabilitation.

"In the case of stress fracture, there is no time frame. Jasprit might feel good in the next two months and may not feel good even after six months. So only the player knows when his body is feeling cent percent match ready.

“Stress fracture doesn't have medication. It's only proper rest and rehabilitation unlike disc injury or any nerve tissue injury.

“Bumrah had a month's break post ODI World Cup. He didn't play white-ball format and came for Test matches. But that means workload was well managed but still he had that fracture. Now can you explain why?" he asked.

"Had they not done scans, they wouldn't even had figured as players wouldn't immediately figure out, they have a stress fracture.

"Stress fracture is detected through bone scans and not MRI. In bone scan plates, you will see doctors pointing at various spots. These are stress spots.

"Now fast-bowling is a strenuous activity and do a bone scan of any bowler and you will see those spots. Do you stop playing? It's just that you have to manage it well as some injuries are chronic.

"At this stage of Bumrah's career, the more he plays, the better he will get at it. Jessi is only 25 or 26 years old. He is playing international cricket for three years and he knows his body well. He will come back stronger and the pace in his deliveries will remain intact," he concluded.

Feature Image Courtesy: AFP/ Sajjad Hussain

Related tags:

IndiaSouth AfricaJasprit Bumrah