Is Bumrah India's Key Player Against England in the Tests?

New Delhi, June 17 (NationPress) Jasprit Bumrah, India's premier fast bowler, is already making headlines ahead of the much-anticipated five-Test series against England. Notably, two of England's cricketing legends, Stuart Broad and Jos Buttler, have expressed their admiration for Bumrah's exceptional skills, distinctive style, and potential to turn matches in India's favor.

On the podcast 'For the Love of Cricket', the celebrated retired fast bowler Stuart Broad likened Bumrah's bowling technique to that of the legendary Glenn McGrath, highlighting him as “the player to watch” in the high-stakes series commencing Friday in Leeds.

“He jogs in, and you think, ‘this will be 70 miles per hour,’ but then it surprises you at 90, disrupting your rhythm,” Broad remarked, illustrating how Bumrah’s deceptive speed and unconventional approach can bewilder batsmen. “When I faced Shoaib Akhtar, he charged in at a hundred miles an hour, and you were prepared. But with Bumrah, his balance in the run-up—a short-stride pattern—keeps him steady and in control.”

Having achieved a remarkable 604 Test wickets throughout his illustrious career, Broad further asserted, “Bumrah mirrors Glenn McGrath's impeccable delivery stride.”

Although Bumrah's participation in all five Tests isn’t assured, as Indian selectors and head coach Gautam Gambhir are managing his workload, Broad emphasized that having him in the lineup for every match could greatly enhance India’s chances.

“He’s certainly one to keep an eye on, and I doubt England would want to face him across five Tests, as he’s likely to take a considerable number of wickets,” Broad stated with conviction.

The 38-year-old also reminisced about an intense moment involving Bumrah in Australia, showcasing his fierce competitive nature. “There was that memorable instance in Australia where he engaged in a heated exchange during the last over with Sam Konstas, and Usman Khawaja was on strike. He dismissed Khawaja and was visibly fired up. Every fast bowler needs that passion, but Bumrah possesses a remarkable sharpness in his competitive spirit, influenced by his experiences in the Virat Kohli era.”

Jos Buttler, the former white-ball captain of England, echoed Broad's thoughts, declaring Bumrah as the biggest star in the visiting Indian squad. “There’s no one else in that touring lineup who compares to Jasprit Bumrah,” he remarked, emphasizing the bowler's formidable presence.

Buttler analyzed the technical challenges posed by Bumrah, crediting his unique delivery and angles for the difficulties he presents. “Facing him, the awkward angles he creates, along with his unconventional run-up, make him stand out. I’ve seen side-on bowlers, but he delivers the ball much closer to the batsman than average bowlers, making it feel faster than it actually is.”

Recalling his own experiences, Buttler admitted that Bumrah’s inward angle often left him feeling trapped. “As a right-hander, it felt like he was always bringing the ball in, yet he could still beat me on the outside, leaving me in an awkward position, almost a sitting target,” he explained.

In conclusion, Buttler labeled Bumrah as “a superstar bowler” and emphasized the necessity for England to effectively counter his threat to achieve success in the series. “In international cricket, you encounter outstanding players, and certainly, performing well against Bumrah is crucial for England’s chances,” he stated.