An Australian bowler who has modelled his action on India pacer Jasprit Bumrah has landed a full-time contract for Big Bash 12 as he has been picked up by the Hobart Hurricanes.Paddy Dooley, who came in as a Covid replacement player for Brisbane Heat, impressed former greats Michael Hussey and Michael Vaughan when he was thrust into the limelight last summer after a dozen Heat players were struck down with the virus.
The 25-year-old spinner made an immediate impression on his debut against the Hurricanes at the Gabba in January, taking the new ball and conceding just three runs from the opening over.He didn't take a wicket but went for just 25 runs from his four overs, with his unique 'windmill' action leaving Hussey and Vaughan mystified as to what he was bowling despite the benefit of numerous television replays, according to a report on www.cricket.com.au.
Dooley's performance must have also impressed the Hurricanes' new head of strategy, Ricky Ponting, who has signed the left-arm finger spinner on a one-year deal.During a radio interview following his BBL debut, Dooley said the inspiration for his bowling action came from Bumrah during India's 2018-19 tour of Australia, the report said.
"He absolutely dominated and like anyone, after watching the Test you play backyard cricket and you start imitating all the players," Dooley told 4BC."I was bowling 'Bumrah's' and then I thought 'this is actually pretty good for my rhythm' so I started bowling my offies with it and it worked quite well and just went with that."
Dooley, who was holidaying with his girlfriend's family in the Yarra Valley east of Melbourne when he received a shock BBL call-up with the Heat, has churned out wickets for Queensland Premier Cricket club Western Suburbs with 155 scalps over the past five seasons.