Jasprit Bumrah, India's pace spearhead, is known for his exceptional skills, especially when bowling with the Dukes ball in English conditions. Ahead of India's challenging five-match Test series against England, starting June 20, 2025, Bumrah shared some invaluable advice for mastering the art of bowling with the Dukes ball. He emphasized the importance of understanding the conditions and adapting the length accordingly.
Bumrah, who has been recognized as the ICC Men's Cricketer of the Year and Test Cricketer of the Year in 2024, brings a wealth of experience to the bowling attack. He has picked up 37 wickets in nine Tests in England, averaging 26.27. He highlighted that playing in England presents a unique challenge, and he relishes bowling with the Dukes ball. However, he also noted that there are constant changes being made to the ball, so he is unsure exactly how much it will be doing. The weather and swinging conditions are a big factor, and he acknowledges the challenge of picking up wickets once the ball becomes softer.
In a recent interview with former Australian skipper Michael Clarke on the Beyond23 cricket YouTube channel, Bumrah delved deeper into the nuances of bowling with the Dukes ball. He stressed the significance of hitting the seam and getting some swing early on with the new ball. He explained that when the weather is cloudy, the Dukes ball tends to swing from the very first over, which allows him to bowl a good length and bring the batsmen forward.
Bumrah also revealed a unique aspect of his bowling technique. Unlike many bowlers who use their index finger to generate swing and seam, Bumrah relies on his middle finger. He flicks the ball with his middle finger to achieve both outswing and inswing. He explained that he can't usually change his arm path too much due to his bowling style, so he uses his second finger for whichever swing he wants to create. He also mentioned that he does change his position on the crease depending on what he wants to bowl.
When discussing his recent performance and rhythm, Bumrah expressed satisfaction with his form, noting that he felt good in the first innings of the ongoing Test match at Headingley. He mentioned that the downward slope and the wind provided a helpful push. Although sometimes he might try to bowl "banana swing and magic balls" when he sees the Dukes ball, he focuses on what works best for him.
Bumrah's advice extends beyond just technical aspects. He also emphasizes the importance of trusting one's rhythm and adapting quickly to the conditions. Former Indian bowling coach Bharat Arun echoed this sentiment, noting that small adjustments and honest teamwork are key for a bowler's success in England.
With India embarking on a new era under a fresh leadership and relatively inexperienced batting setup, the onus will be on Bumrah to lead the bowling attack effectively. He believes in the capabilities of the bowling unit to trouble any team, regardless of the conditions. He remains confident that even when facing ultra-aggressive batters, the bowlers have the ability to run through the opposition and take wickets.
While Bumrah's workload will be closely monitored throughout the series, his experience and expertise will be crucial for India's success. His valuable advice on mastering the Dukes ball and adapting to English conditions will undoubtedly guide the other bowlers in the team. The key, according to Bumrah, is to understand the conditions, adjust the length accordingly, and trust in one's own abilities.
