In the first Test of their five-match series against England, India lost by 28 runs at Hyderabad. But the hosts recovered, winning the second Test in Visakhapatnam by a commanding 106 runs. On Thursday, February 15, the third test gets underway in Rajkot.
One of India’s most impressive players in the series so far has been Jasprit Bumrah. It was anticipated that the spinners would control the series because of the favorable bowling conditions. But Jasprit Bumrah has been able to deliver, and with 15 wickets at an incredible average of 10.67, he is presently the series’ top wicket-taker.
The brilliant bowler took six wickets in the first innings and three in the second in the second Test. As a fitting tribute to his outstanding effort, he was named Player of the Match. Both professionals and fans praised him for his yorker that struck out Ollie Pope in the first inning. One of the best pacers of all time, Dale Steyn, praised Jasprit Bumrah for taking wickets on soft surfaces and bowling yorkers that would take wickets.
“He’s a great bowler overall. And given his clumsy behavior, it’s not surprising that he possesses it. He’s great because he gets wickets on those soft pitches. There aren’t many Test bowlers available right now, in my opinion, who can run in and essentially bowl yorkers that take wickets. There are definitely a few people who are capable of taking wickets in Test matches. Trent Boult and Mitchell Starc were two of those.
Speaking to the media prior to the SA20 2024 final between Sunrisers Eastern Cape and Durban Super Giants, Steyn quipped, “And obviously, Jasprit Bumrah.”
After his match-winning effort in Visakhapatnam, Jasprit Bumrah moved to the top of the ICC rankings for Test bowlers. Removing the pitch from the equation is one of the things the 30-year-old has done well lately, according to Steyn.
“I used to joke that, regardless of where you bowled it, a good yorker bowled in Australia, South Africa, or India still stays a terrific yorker when the surface is removed. When you take away the pitch, I believe that’s one area in which he excels,” Steyn said.
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