Advertisement
Advertisement
England captain Ben Stokes has brushed off the threat posed by India’s ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah in the five-match test series, set to commence tomorrow at Leeds.
In the lead-up to the series, there were ample discussions regarding Bumrah’s skilful bowling and England’s bazball approach. However, the right-arm pacer is only available for three Tests due to workload management and injury concerns.
Speaking ahead of the much-anticipated series, Ben Stokes dismissed the notion of fearing Bumrah’s threat.
“No fear. In international cricket, you come up against quality opposition all the time. We know his class and what he brings to any team he plays for, but in terms of fear, definitely, he said.
“I don’t think one bowler alone is going to win the series for either team. All 11 [players] have to stand up. I don’t think there is just one person in either team holding the key to success,” Ben Stokes added.
The 31-year-old pacer had a stellar run in 2024, having picked up 71 wickets in just 13 games at an average of 26.27. However, despite India ending the series on a losing note, Bumrah stood out with his phenomenal bowling down under.
However, Jasprit Bumrah sustained a back injury in the last Test against Australia, hence keeping him out of the Champions Trophy 2025.
A few days earlier, the fast bowler mentioned his injury problems and the number of the matches he will be play in the upcoming series.
“[We will] plan on the go. Three Test matches is what I’m looking at. Obviously that number is not decided. First [Test] is definitely on, that is going to happen.
The rest we’ll see how things are, what is the workload, what are the scenarios going on. Three Test matches is what I can manage at this moment. And I don’t want to be in a desperate scenario,” Bumrah stated.
With India set to play five Test matches without experienced Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah will carry most of the burden as he leads an inexperienced pace attack.
For context, Bumrah has enjoyed bowling in English conditions, taking 37 wickets in nine Tests.
READ: Nissanka’s career-best 187 leads Sri Lanka’s fightback in first Bangladesh Test
