Can Bumrah Match Rabada and Cummins' Lord’s Brilliance?

New Delhi, June 17 (NationPress) As Shubman Gill takes charge of a revamped Indian Test squad for the upcoming five-match series against England starting June 20, all eyes are on Jasprit Bumrah, the leading fast bowler, and his capability to sway the match outcomes in the visitors’ favor amidst challenging conditions.

With India yet to finalize which Tests Bumrah, the top-ranked bowler in this format, will partake in due to workload considerations, Steve Harmison, the former England fast bowler, asserts that if Bumrah participates in at least four matches, he could emulate the impressive feats of Kagiso Rabada and Pat Cummins observed during the recent 2025 ICC World Test Championship Final at Lord’s.

“When I analyze the two bowling units, I believe the series’ outcome hinges on this aspect. If Jasprit Bumrah features in four Test matches, he can replicate what Kagiso Rabada and Pat Cummins displayed at Lord’s and in the English conditions. Undoubtedly, Bumrah ranks slightly higher than both in my view of the world’s top three bowlers,” Harmison stated.

“Should Jasprit achieve what Pat and Kagiso did, it will present a significant challenge for England, as they appear to lack that caliber of world-class bowler. Their attack has some inexperienced players, and with five Tests scheduled over six and a half weeks, it will be a demanding stretch for both teams,” he added during an exclusive conversation with IANS, facilitated by talkSPORT.

In his nine Tests in England, Bumrah has claimed 37 wickets at an average of 23.78. He showcased his talent in his inaugural Test in England in 2018 with a five-wicket haul, contributing to India’s victory at Trent Bridge. In 2021, Bumrah again captured five wickets, although the match ended in a draw due to rain on the final day.

His remarkable slower delivery that bewildered Ollie Robinson at a pivotal moment during the match is still vividly recalled, alongside his explosive batting that produced an 89-run partnership for the last wicket with Mohammed Shami.

Harmison emphasized that if he were part of the Indian squad, he would ensure Bumrah plays at Headingley, while resting him for either the third or fourth match, contingent on the series situation for the visitors.

“It’s easy to claim now that he will only play three games, yet circumstances can change. There’s a little gap between the first and second Tests, so I don’t foresee significant issues arising. If he participates in the first two matches but needs to miss one, like the third or fourth, if the series is at stake, he will certainly play the fifth one. Therefore, I think the plan of him playing three matches is beneficial for the series. It wouldn’t shock me if he features in four and possibly skips the third or fourth Test,” he explained.

“Given the interval between the first and second Test matches, if I were India, I would ensure he plays at Headingley. That’s non-negotiable. Additionally, he must play at Lord’s because his bowling style can leverage the slope, akin to how Cummins and Rabada did. If there’s cloud cover in an afternoon in England, nobody will be as dangerous as Jasprit Bumrah, much like the outstanding performances from the two bowlers from South Africa and Australia,” he elaborated.

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, which India lost 3-1, was predominantly characterized by the Bumrah versus Australia contest. The intensity and relentlessness Bumrah brought into the series were notably absent from the support bowlers, especially after a back injury hindered him from bowling in the second innings at Sydney.

While Bumrah secured 32 wickets at an average of 13.06, the other Indian pacers collectively took 40 wickets, averaging 34.82. The overcast conditions in England present an ideal environment for seam and swing bowling, with the Dukes ball offering lateral movement.

Harmison is optimistic about the Indian pace attack thriving in England and highlighted Mohammed Siraj, who took 20 wickets in Australia, as well-suited to support Bumrah.

“From a bowler’s standpoint, the English conditions are significantly more favorable. It’s certainly not as hot and humid as what Indian bowlers are accustomed to. The air and breeze allow for better recovery between overs.

“It’s less taxing on the body and feet. Hence, I believe the Indian seam bowlers will enjoy bowling in England. The Dukes ball is another factor that contributes to boosting bowlers’ energy due to its lateral movement,” he noted.

“Consequently, it naturally invigorates bowlers since they constantly feel involved in the game. England’s batters play aggressively and strive to dominate bowlers, which will energize Indian bowlers, as they recognize they are in a contest. Similar to white-ball cricket, there are no dull phases in England's Test match cricket,” he remarked.

“Thus, I think the Indian seam bowlers will relish bowling in England. The key question will be whether India selects the appropriate bowlers for the right pitches in the right Test matches to apply pressure on England. Besides Jasprit Bumrah, I believe Mohammed Siraj is a vital asset due to his energy and ability to move the Kookaburra ball laterally.”

“He could emerge as a standout performer if he starts strong because he exudes confidence. If Mohammed Siraj excels in the series opener at Leeds, I anticipate a significant summer for him. Therefore, he is someone I expect to support Jasprit Bumrah if he plays in that first Test,” he concluded.

Live cricket commentary is accessible throughout the England vs. India series via the talkSPORT Cricket YouTube Channel.