Watch: Nic Maddinson has caused mirth aplenty by imitating Jasprit Bumrah’s bowling action during the Sheffield Shield final.
Victoria’s Maddinson, asked to bowl the 161st over of Western Australia’s second innings as the game petered out to a draw, channelled his inner Bumrah, coming over the wicket to Aaron Hardie. The 30-year-old, who played three Tests for Australia in 2016, departed from his usual spin bowling, deciding to imitate the India quick, right from his shortened run-up to his bowling action, which caused plenty of amusement among his teammates and even the commentators, who quipped, “Well done Bumrah.” The only differences? He bowled left-handed, and at least 20 kph slower.
Maddinson, who has also played six T20Is for Australia, has picked up a total of 28 professional wickets in his career, but went wicketless in the five overs he bowled during the Shield final. He was also unable to score big with the bat, making 20 in Victoria’s total of 306, with the side up against Western Australia’s score of 386 in the first innings. Western Australia also accumulated 400-7dec in their second innings, as the game ended in a draw.
Western Australia clinched the trophy after 23 years, claiming the title on bonus points for outperforming Victoria in the first two innings of the game.
Watch Maddinson imitate Bumrah here:
No prizes for guessing who Nic Maddinson is impersonating here 🤣pic.twitter.com/q3YS6KzxTL
— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) April 4, 2022