Root is batting with great thought against Bumrah: Nayar
New Delhi, July 19
With the ODI series between India and England set to be decided at Lord's, former India assistant coach Abhishek Nayar believes the spotlight will once again fall on the gripping battle between Jasprit Bumrah and Joe Root.
Speaking ahead of the series decider, Nayar praised Root's approach against India's premier fast bowler, backed Bumrah's methods despite the England batter's success, and said India's think tank would inevitably discuss fresh plans to dismiss the in-form right-hander. He felt there was little for Bumrah to change despite Root having enjoyed the upper hand in their duel so far, crediting the England veteran for the clarity with which he has approached the contest.
"Honestly, I don't see anything Jasprit Bumrah could do better. He has bowled in the right areas, hit the right lengths, and challenged Joe Root with his outswingers. But Root has been brilliant. In home conditions, you expect that from a player of his quality. He is batting with great thought against Bumrah, picking and choosing his battles," Nayar told JioStar.
"The chase of 234 didn't put Root under pressure. When you are chasing a modest total, you don't have to take risks against the best bowler. But if the target was 250, 300, or 350, Bumrah could have created more opportunities," he added.
Nayar believes the unique characteristics of Lord's could assist Bumrah in the decisive encounter, as he stated, "So, Bumrah just needs to keep doing what he does best. If he can maintain a tight economy and keep the pressure on, the slope at Lord's might help him. That could bring the ball back in and target Root's pads. It should be interesting to watch. It was already intriguing to see Root stranded on 99 when he could have easily got a hundred. Still, five consecutive 50-plus scores is a great achievement for him."
Nayar expects India's management to spend considerable time discussing ways to break Root's consistency, with team selection likely to be influenced by the conditions at Lord's. "There will definitely be discussions about how to get Joe Root out. The team will look for a solution. It will depend on the conditions. Will they bring back Kuldeep Yadav? Or could KL Rahul return? Ishan Kishan will stay in the XI, but Prince Yadav might replace Shivam Dube. India could also go with a fourth specialist fast bowler, similar to what England did in the second ODI. England played four genuine pacers, and it worked well for them. So that is something India can consider. But the final decision will depend on the conditions," the former India cricketer expressed.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Honestly, I feel Bumrah has been unlucky. Root is playing him like he's facing a spinner in the nets—so composed. But Nayar's point about the chase being low is valid. At Lord's, with more pressure, Root might not have the same luxury. India should stick to their strengths and not overthink. One bad ball from Root, and Bumrah will pounce.
Root's consistency is world-class, but I think India's team selection needs a rethink. Nayar suggesting four pacers is interesting—we need to exploit the Lord's conditions. Bumrah is our best, but maybe a fourth seamer like Prince Yadav could add variety. 🤔 Also, why not give Kuldeep a chance? He troubled Root in the past. Let's not be predictable!
I appreciate Nayar's balanced take. Root's method is to respect Bumrah and target others—smart cricket. But I wish Bumrah would try a different length, maybe a fuller one to bring lbw into play. The Lord's slope could help, but it's not a guarantee. India shouldn't just wait for a mistake; they need a plan B. Maybe Shami and Bumrah together? But Shami isn't playing! 😅
As a neutral, this battle is fascinating. Root's five consecutive 50+ scores shows his class, but Bumrah is bowling well. Nayar's point about the target being small is key—Root didn't need to attack. In a high-pressure chase, Bumrah's economy and wicket-taking ability will shine. Lord's might be the perfect stage for a classic duel. Cricket wins!
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