New Delhi

Former Australia all-rounder Shane Watson has opined that Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) speedster Mayank Yadav shouldn't be pushed to play Test cricket. Watson's comments come after Mayank lit up the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season with is raw pace. The pacer has claimed six wickets in two matches he has played so far and has bowled north of 150 kmph most times.

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"I personally think it's a waste if Indian cricket, really trying to push him into four-day cricket and Test cricket, knowing the incredible value that he can provide in T20 and one-day cricket for India," said Watson on JioCinema.

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Watson said that it takes time for body to get adjusted to bowling at high-speeds in Test cricket and for the time being, Mayank should be playing white-ball cricket.

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"I've seen it in the past, whether it's in India or other parts of the world, when everyone gets very excited about a young speedster that comes in, the thought is always, 'oh, let's push him to play Test cricket because that's the ultimate', and it certainly is, but that does take time, said Watson.

"While his body is going to mature and get more resilient, which does take a number of years, then I think just by playing T20 and one-day cricket will gradually build up his resilience.

"So I'd love to just see him play the shorter formats while he's just getting used to his body and his body's building that strength that he does need," he added.

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Mayank also bowled the fastest delivery of the season at 156.7 kmph while playing vs RCB, improving on his record of 155.8 kmph from the previous match. Yadav's fastest delivery of the season is now fourth on the list of all-time fastest deliveries of the league. Ahead of him are Shaun Tait (157.7 kmph in IPL 2011), Lockie Ferguson (157.3 in IPL 2022) and Umrah Malik (157 kmph in IPL 2022).