The former Australian batting maestro reflected on his initial encounter with Bumrah, the doubts surrounding his unconventional bowling style, and the stern advice he offered to the young pacer early in his career.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI actually played a year with him in the IPL when I was with the Mumbai Indians,\u201d Hussey told Willow Talk. \u201cHe was just a young kid coming through. I remember facing him in the nets and literally couldn\u2019t get bat on the ball. I felt like I was using a toothpick.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The Aussie great was left awestruck by Bumrah\u2019s unique action and sharp pace.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI couldn\u2019t even see the ball, let alone pick it coming out of his hand. His action is so different, so deceptive. My first impression? I honestly didn\u2019t think he\u2019d even make it to the crease. His run-up was staggered and awkward. I remember thinking, \u2018Who is this guy?\u2019 And then suddenly, woof\u2014the ball whistles past my eyebrows at 145kph!\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
At the time, Bumrah was seen as a white-ball specialist with limited potential for Test cricket. Hussey recalled the conversations swirling in Indian cricket circles back then.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIn India, there was so much scepticism. People said his action and run-up would be too hard on his body, that he wouldn\u2019t last in Test cricket,\u201d Hussey said. \u201cThey thought he was made for white-ball cricket alone. But even back then, I could see his skills and ability. I knew that if he had the desire to play Test cricket, he could succeed.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Hussey was full of admiration for Bumrah\u2019s achievements in the longest format of the game. \u201cIsn\u2019t he doing it bloody well at the moment? It\u2019s just phenomenal to see how he\u2019s grown.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Hussey also shared an anecdote about a game-changing moment early in Bumrah\u2019s IPL career. It was a match between the Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2014 when Bumrah dismissed the legendary AB de Villiers.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cHe burst onto the scene in the IPL and bowled brilliantly. I remember one game where he got AB de Villiers out. Obviously, AB is one of the greatest, and Bumrah gave him a big send-off. AB wasn\u2019t happy,\u201d Hussey recalled.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The send-off didn\u2019t sit well with Hussey either. After the game, the veteran took the young bowler aside for a word of advice.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI told him, \u2018Mate, you don\u2019t need to do that. You have so much skill and talent. Just getting the wicket is the biggest statement you can make. If you want respect in the game and from your peers, you don\u2019t need send-offs.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Hussey admitted it was an uncharacteristic moment for Bumrah, who he described as one of the most humble and down-to-earth cricketers he\u2019s met.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cHe\u2019s such a great guy. That send-off was out of character for him. He\u2019s always smiling, always calm, and consistent in his behaviour. He doesn\u2019t get too emotional. It\u2019s one of the reasons he\u2019s such a phenomenal bowler and such a joy to watch.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Hussey admitted it was an uncharacteristic moment for Bumrah, who he described as one of the most humble and down-to-earth cricketers he\u2019s met.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
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