NEWS
Follow UsNot many expected Jasprit Bumrah to feature in both Tests against Bangladesh, but the ace paceman played both games and ended the series as the joint-highest wicket-taker. The 30-year-old claimed 11 wickets across four innings at an average of 12.81 and a strike rate of 26.7. India ended up winning both matches and have now won 18 home Test series in a row.
With India scheduled to play eight more Tests in the next few months, reports suggested that Bumrah would be rested for the second Test in Kanpur, especially with the Men in Blue having won the first game in Chennai. Bumrah, who bowled 49 overs in the series, said he had ample rest after the T20 World Cup and wanted to challenge himself in conditions not favourable for fast bowling.
“We got a break after the World Cup. We were preparing for the Test series and you have to keep that in mind. Obviously, you understand how many overs you are going to bowl and where your body is, what the schedule looks like. We have a long season ahead and that is why we got the break,” Bumrah said on Star Sports.
“It feels really good. I don't think about all those adjectives (being called a magician). You use your experience but it is easier said than done, because you have played a lot of cricket and played on different surfaces you find solutions. This wicket was completely different to what we got in Chennai, so quickly communicated with the others and tried to find the best option.
“I like that challenge when you go against your nature; conditions are not favourable, the wicket is not favourable, how do you get answers, all of these battles I really like. We have played a lot of cricket in India, you understand the nature of the wicket and the SG ball sometimes reverses as well but sometimes because of the humidity you are not able to keep the ball dry, so you find solutions and discuss it with other players as well.”
Only 35 overs were possible on the first three days of the second Test. It looked like the match would end in a dull draw but after dismissing Bangladesh for 233 in the first innings, Indian batters came out all guns blazing and whacked 285/9 (decl) in just 34.4 overs. Bangladesh were bowled out for 146 in their second innings, and India got the required 95 runs in only 17.2 overs.
“It is really good to get this win. We had lost a couple of days.. the way we batted yesterday and it was a test of our fitness as well as you see how hot the weather is, bowling every day and trying to create an impact, a really special win.”
Talking about Akash Deep, who picked up five wickets @ 20.40, Bumrah said: “He comes up to me quite a lot before a spell and asks me what is happening and what should I do. We have had a lot of interesting conversations. The energy he brings on the ball, he gives his best on the field, and when he's bowling, he has got a lot of heart, and that is a good sign for us going forward. Hopefully, he goes from strength to strength.”
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