Mitchell McClenaghan says fearless batting reason for high economy rates

Mumbai Indians pacer Mitchell McClenaghan believes the fearless batting approach in IPL 2017 has been the prime factor behind the high economy rate of the bowlers.

Mitchell McClenaghan has been mighty effective ever since he was picked in the Mumbai Indians squad in 2015. The New Zealand left-hand pacer scalped 18 wickets in his first season and in the current edition, he has taken 17 scalps and is the among the top-five wicket-takers.

Mitchell McClenaghan has taken 17 wickets in IPL 2017 as Mumbai Indians aim to finish in the top two ahead of their clash against Kings XI Punjab. (BCCI)

McClenaghan feels fearless attitude of batsmen has resulted in high economy rates for bowler in every passing season. “ If you look across the board in this IPL, there are times people have gone for 40-plus and very good bowlers simply go for 50 or 60, that is unheard of,” said McClenaghan on the eve of their Mumbai Indians’ last home group game at the Wankhede Stadium against the Kings XI Punjab on Thursday.

This season has seen plenty of bowlers going in excess of over 50 runs in their four overs. Delhi Daredevils pacer duo of Kagiso Rabada and Pat Cummins have the most expensive figures of 4-0-59-0 while Lasith Malinga, considered to be the best Twenty20 bowler, was smashed for 58 runs in his four overs versus Kings XI Punjab in Indore.

He added: “The frequency of that actually happening is far greater than the past season. It is just the way the game has changed, the equipment has changed, guys are playing with lot less fear, youngsters come in and swing from ball one. It is getting harder but you have to keep backing yourself and adapting as we always do.”

McClenaghan has been a regular death bowler for Mumbai Indians along with Jasprit Bumrah. The New Zealand pacer said he is relishing the prospects.

“My role in the side is to go and take wickets. Be aggressive and try and get the key batsman out in the opposition, so it is important for me to do that and bowl lot of hard overs when the guys are in or going to hit in the end,” said McClenaghan, who is part of the New Zealand squad for the Champions Trophy.

McClenaghan also confirmed that England batsman Jos Buttler won’t be available for the play-offs. “Buttler wont be with us for the play-offs but he has a great season for us. We are pretty lucky that someone like Lendl (Simmons) comes in and takes Jos’s spot. Key is Lendl gets couple of games under his belt, gets upto speed before the play-offs.”