Key Points

Jasprit Bumrah shone in the first Test against England with a five-wicket haul, securing a narrow lead for India. His performance at Headingley marked his 14th fifer in Test cricket, equalling Kapil Dev's record for most away Test fifers by an Indian. Bumrah credited his success to focusing on proven strategies and adapting to the conditions. His unique bowling technique, involving minimal arm path adjustments, emphasizes swing and seam effectiveness.

Key Points: Jasprit Bumrah's Fifer Powers India in Anderson-Tendulkar Test

  • Bumrah claims 14th Test five-wicket haul
  • Matches Kapil Dev's away fifer record
  • Focused on conditions and rhythm
  • Bowling strategy emphasized seam and swing
3 min read

1st Test: I was trying to focus on what worked for me, says Bumrah on fifer against England

Bumrah's 5-83 against England highlights his strategic approach and equals Kapil Dev's away record.

1st Test: I was trying to focus on what worked for me, says Bumrah on fifer against England
"I was trying to focus on what worked for me. - Jasprit Bumrah"

Leeds, June 23

India's fast-bowling spearhead Jasprit Bumrah said his magnificent 5-83 against England in the ongoing first Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy Test at Headingley was down to him focusing on what worked well for him after assessing conditions.

Bumrah was India's standout bowler on day three's play as his figures of 5-83 in 24.4 overs- his 14th five-wicket haul in Tests - ensured India got a narrow six-run lead after bowling out England for 465 in their first innings. Bumrah, who picked his third five-wicket haul in England, has also equalled the legendary Kapil Dev for the most fifers for India in away Tests (12).

"I felt good in the first innings. Sometimes the downward slope helps and the wind was also decent, so that gives you a push. Sometimes when you see the dukes ball you can try to bowl banana swing and magic balls, but I was trying to focus on what worked for me," said Bumrah on Sky Sports' broadcast ahead of day four's play on Monday.

Asked to dissect his dismissal of Zak Crawley in the presence of former India head coach Ravi Shastri, Bumrah explained, "Pretty much, you want to hit the seam and you want to get some swing early on if you're bowling with the new ball. So that is what I was looking to do. It was cloudy weather at that time.

"Usually over here, the Duke ball sometimes never swings with the new ball. Slightly, when it gets a little older, it starts to do consistently. But the ball was swinging from the word go. So I was trying to bowl a nice length and tried to bring him forward, and it was a good execution on that day."

Further quizzed about the fingers he uses for making the ball swing and seam, Bumrah stated, "I'm slightly different - so I don't use my index finger. I use the big figure all the time. So I try to flick the ball. When I want to bowl an outswing, I flick it this way. When I want to bowl the inswing, I flick it inside because I can't usually change my arm path too much because of the way my bowling style is.

"So I usually use my second finger for whichever swing I want to do because that's how I've always bowled. I've learned this over the years as well that I can't really change my arm path. Yes, I do change from where I want to bowl from the crease, but I try to flick it when I want to bowl it either way."

Bumrah signed off by saying he was pleased with the rhythm he had while picking the five-wicket haul at Headingley. "The rhythm felt really good even in Beckenham, where we were practicing. Since I've come here after the IPL, the rhythm felt very good. So I was just trying to be in that zone and trying to take it to the game that I am not trying too much or not to get too aggressive."

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
What a champion bowler Bumrah is! 🇮🇳 His ability to adapt to English conditions shows his class. That dismissal of Crawley was pure magic. Hope he continues this form throughout the series. #BoomBoomBumrah
P
Priya M.
Interesting to hear about his unique bowling technique. Using just the big finger for swing is so unconventional but clearly effective! Shows there's no one right way in cricket - just what works for you. More power to our pace attack!
A
Arjun S.
Equalling Kapil Dev's record is no small feat! But let's not forget our batting needs to step up too. Bumrah can't win matches alone. Hope the top order shows some spine in second innings.
S
Sneha R.
His humility is as impressive as his bowling. "Not trying too much" - what a lesson for young cricketers! No flashy stuff, just focus on basics. That's why he's consistently great across formats.
V
Vikram J.
Watching Bumrah bowl is pure joy! His action may be unorthodox but the results speak for themselves. That said, I wish he'd bowl more yorkers in Tests like he does in limited overs. Could be even more lethal!
N
Neha P.
So proud to see an Indian fast bowler dominating in England! Remember when our team relied only on spinners? How times have changed! Bumrah, Shami, Siraj - what a pace battery we have now 💪

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50