'Speed can't help you if you don't have line and length and swing' - Shaheen's advice for Umran Malik

Pakistan paceman Shaheen Afridi has put a note in the suggestion box for India's Umran Malik. He asserted that the line, length and swing are as crucial as speed while replying to a question in context to the Sunrisers Hyderabad fast-bowler.

Umran has been lately wowing the cricketing fraternity with his fiery spells. The 22-year-old was named the Emerging Player of IPL 2022 as he chalked up 22 wickets in 14 matches, consistently firing at the speed of 150-plus.

Although Umran came good in most of the games, he was visibly out of order in a few. 

Addressing the reporters in a press conference, Afridi cited that the pace only comes in handy if a bowler pairs it well with swing and good line and length.

"Speed se kuch nahi hota (speed is of no use). I haven't thought about bowling so fast. I personally believe speed is of no use. If you don't have line, length and swing, you can't beat the batter easily. Nevertheless, I try to focus on my fitness so that my pace can also increase. Hopefully, I will be able to generate more pace, and my line and length will also get better," Afridi said, as quoted by Crictracker.

In the scorching heat of Multan, Pakistan will go head-to-head versus the Windies in a three-match ODI series, starting June 8. 

As the temperature is touching sky high, Afridi commented that the conditions would pose a mighty challenge in front of the pacers.

"The weather is hot, but we are looking forward to playing good cricket in it. It would be a tough challenge for the fast bowlers to bowl long spells in summer, but as a professional, we are ready to face it."

With the ODI Super League points up for grabs in the upcoming series, Pakistan, who are currently placed 10th on the standings with six wins in 12 games, would shy a shot at climbing up on the table. 

"This is an important series in terms of World Cup qualification, which is why we don't want to lose any match. Also, West Indies are a strong international side, and it is not as if they are sending under-19 players for this series," Afridi concluded.