Jasprit Bumrah is set to spearhead India's pace attack in the upcoming five-Test series against England, and he's already garnering massive praise from a former foe. Stuart Broad, the recently retired England fast bowler, has lauded Bumrah as the best bowler in the world, adding significant weight to the anticipation surrounding the series. Broad's assessment comes ahead of the first Test, scheduled to begin on June 20th at Headingley, Leeds.
Broad, speaking on his new podcast "For the Love of Cricket" with Jos Buttler, didn't hold back in his admiration for the Indian pacer. He dissected Bumrah's unique bowling mechanics, highlighting the deceptiveness of his pace and the control he possesses. Broad likened Bumrah's balanced delivery stride to that of the legendary Glenn McGrath, widely regarded as one of the most accurate and consistent bowlers of all time. He noted that Bumrah's short run-up and ability to maintain balance allow him to subtly adjust his wrist position, generating swing in both directions with minimal visible cues to the batsman.
Broad emphasized the difficulty batsmen face in getting into a rhythm against Bumrah. He pointed out the contrast between Bumrah's calm approach to the crease and the sudden burst of pace upon delivery. This, he explained, makes it challenging for batsmen to anticipate the speed of the ball, often resulting in them being surprised by the extra zip. In contrast to bowlers like Shoaib Akhtar, who sprinted in and bowled with sheer pace, Bumrah's deceptive approach makes him a particularly difficult proposition.
Jos Buttler, also on the podcast, echoed Broad's sentiments, calling Bumrah a "superstar bowler". He spoke of the awkward angles Bumrah creates, delivering the ball closer to the batsman than most bowlers, making it seem even quicker. Buttler highlighted Bumrah's ability to make the ball angle in while also beating the outside edge, leaving batsmen feeling trapped and vulnerable.
However, amidst all the praise, there are concerns about Bumrah's workload management. Bumrah himself has confirmed that he is likely to play only three of the five Tests in the series, a decision influenced by his history of back injuries. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is keen to avoid a repeat of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy incident, where Bumrah broke down mid-series due to a back injury. This makes every appearance from Bumrah crucial.
While Bumrah's limited availability is a setback for India, his presence in the matches he does play will undoubtedly be a major factor. Former India bowling coach Bharat Arun has suggested that Bumrah could potentially play all five Tests if the other bowlers in the team provide adequate support. He stressed the importance of a collective effort from the bowling unit to prevent Bumrah from being overworked.
The upcoming Test series marks the beginning of India's new World Test Championship cycle, adding another layer of importance to the matches. With stalwarts like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli having retired from Test cricket, the onus will be on the younger players to step up and support Bumrah. Shubman Gill will be leading the side for the first time in Tests. Bumrah's experience and leadership, even without the captaincy, will be invaluable in guiding the team through this transition.
As the first Test approaches, all eyes will be on Jasprit Bumrah. His fitness, his form, and his ability to dismantle the England batting lineup will be crucial to India's chances of success. The praise from Stuart Broad, a former adversary, only amplifies the pressure and expectation surrounding India's premier fast bowler. The series promises to be a thrilling contest, with Bumrah's performance likely to be a defining factor.
