Is Bumrah the Modern-Day Hadlee?

Leeds, June 22 (NationPress) Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has showered accolades on Jasprit Bumrah for his remarkable ability to secure a wicket each time he steps onto the field. He likened the Indian fast bowler's prowess to that of New Zealand legend Richard Hadlee, the first cricketer to surpass 400 Test wickets.

During a match where India managed to score 471 runs in 113 overs, bolstered by Shubman Gill's exceptional 147 and Rishabh Pant's stunning 134—his seventh century in Test cricket—England faced the challenge of Bumrah, who took 3 wickets for 45 runs. England found some stability as Ollie Pope and Ben Duckett put together a partnership of 122 runs for the second wicket, with the hosts ending the day at 209/3, trailing India by 262 runs.

“We’ve witnessed four centuries in this match so far—three from India and one from England—but which bowler has truly stood out? For me, it’s simply Bumrah. His ability to create a wicket each time he enters the attack is truly exceptional. The only bowler who comes to mind with such a significant impact is Sir Richard Hadlee.

“He represented a New Zealand team with a relatively less formidable bowling lineup, yet every time he bowled, there was a distinct feeling that a wicket was imminent. The commonality between the two is their mastery—watching Hadlee closely made it evident that he was a true expert in his craft. I get the same sense with Bumrah,” Manjrekar stated on JioHotstar.

Although Duckett was dismissed for 62, Pope overcame an initial nervous start to score his ninth Test century, featuring 13 boundaries. Pope was granted a reprieve at 60 when he attempted to handle Bumrah in the final session, but Bumrah eventually succeeded when Duckett was bowled, finishing with a score of 62 off 94 deliveries.

“With Ollie Pope’s century, it was also Bumrah in the final over. Just observe this player—the kind of wicket he achieved on a pitch like this. We saw during the 2023 Cricket World Cup how he elevated himself above other fast bowlers, and now he’s doing it once more. The wicket came with such ease, something only Bumrah can produce. Ben Stokes does it to some extent for England, but Bumrah does it consistently,” Manjrekar remarked.

Just before the day's play concluded, Bumrah had Harry Brook edge a pull shot to mid-wicket but missed out on the wicket due to overstepping for the third time in the over. He ended the day with an astonishing delivery that caught Brook off guard with its length and angle.

“In that final over, with Harry Brook trying to survive, what unfolded was pure drama. We witnessed Bumrah’s genius as he compelled him to pull a short ball he hadn’t utilized throughout the innings. The strategy was brilliant—delivering one ball after another outside off-stump—before the surprise bouncer came. Harry Brook would never have anticipated it, and he instinctively played the shot,” he added.