UK Test captain Ben Stokes says his team does not “fear” Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah. Stokes accepted Bumrah as a world-class bowler before the first Test at Headingley, but did not believe he could win India a Test series.
Stokes stressed that England confront top-notch international cricket opponents and never fear them, even though they respect them.
“Fear not. In international cricket, you always face good competition. Stokes remarked before the first Test, “We know his class and what he brings to any team he plays for, but fear? No.”
No one bowler will win the series for either team. All 11 players must stand. He said neither team has one individual who can guarantee success.
The Indian speedster has a great Test record against England. In 14 Tests against the Three Lions, Bumrah has 60 wickets. His 37 wickets in nine Tests at 26.27 in England are as remarkable. The average of his bowling against England is 22.16.
Stokes often struggles with Bumrah’s angling deliveries around the wicket and off stump.
Even on England’s 2024 India tour, Stokes struggled against Bumrah.
England’s first Test team at Headingley has been announced. Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, and Josh Tongue will lead the pace attack, while Ollie Pope will bat at No. 3 ahead of youthful Jacob Bethell. The sole specialist spinner is off-spinner Shoaib Bashir.
England XI vs India first Test:
Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (C), Jamie Smith (WK), Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue, Shoaib Bashir.
India
