IPL 2020: Bumrah best T20 bowler in the world, reckons Pattinson

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Pattinson, who previously played for KKR, took part in his first practice session at the Zayed Cricket Stadium, after the mandatory seven-day quarantine. - Mumbai Indians Twitter
Pattinson, who previously played for KKR, took part in his first practice session at the Zayed Cricket Stadium, after the mandatory seven-day quarantine. - Mumbai Indians Twitter

Dubai - Pattinson was signed up by the defending champions as a replacement for Sri Lanka pacer Lasith Malinga.

By James Jose

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Published: Tue 15 Sep 2020, 9:00 PM

Last updated: Wed 16 Sep 2020, 11:59 AM

Australian pace bowler James Pattinson is delighted to join the Mumbai Indians family and said that it is fantastic to work with the likes of New Zealand's Trent Boult and India's Jasprit Bumrah, whom he termed as the best T20 bowler in the world.
Pattinson was signed up by the defending champions as a replacement for Sri Lanka pacer Lasith Malinga. Malinga, the highest wicket taker in the IPL with 170 scalps from 122 matches, is unavailable this season due to personal reasons.

The 30-year-old Pattinson, who previously represented the Kolkata Knight Riders, took part in his first practice session at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi, after the mandatory seven-day quarantine.
"It's a privilege to come over and be part of one of the most or what is the most successful IPL team in history. So, it's a privilege to be here," said Pattinson.
""First day out of quarantine, I had seven days inside, so it was good to just have a light bowl with Boulty (Trent Boult)," he added.
Pattinson, who has played 21 Tests, 15 ODIs and four T20Is, will have big shoes to fill but said that it will be a priceless experience working with Boult and Bumrah.
"Personally, it is just fantastic to work with some of the best bowlers in the world. Obviously, Bumrah is probably the best T20 bowler in the world and then Boulty is up there as well. For me, it will be a great experience to be around those guys, training with them. Obviously, there are some really good discussions about T20 bowling," Pattinson said.
The experience of having played in the UAE will help Pattinson and the Victorian felt that variations on these pitches will be key.
"I've played a few One-Day Internationals here before, so I've got a bit of experience over here in the UAE. Look, there are obviously different wickets a lot drier and obviously there's only three wickets being used during the tournament so it might be a bit slower and lower as the tournament goes on. Maybe the slower ball and stuff like that might come into play a lot more. As a fast bowler, you're just trying to bang the wicket as hard as possible and change of pace and bowl fast. That's the thing with T20 cricket," he said.
With the days ticking down to the tournament opener between the Mumbai Indians and the Chennai Super Kings at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Saturday, Pattinson was hoping to amp up the intensity.
"I know the games are just round the corner so if I can lift the intensity and hopefully be ready to go," said Pattinson.
james@khaleejtimes.com
 


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