Jasprit Bumrah put on a strong exhibition of fast bowling at Headingley, taking a well-deserved five-wicket haul that not only provided India with a crucial advantage in the first innings but also earned the admiration of none other than Sachin Tendulkar. Just after Bumrah bagged his five-wicket haul, Indian cricket great Tendulkar went on social media to hail the pacer’s performance that was far greater than mere numbers.
“Congratulations Bumrah! A no-ball and 3 missed chances stood between you and nau (nine) wickets,” Tendulkar posted on his Instagram story
Bumrah himself struck early to dismiss Zak Crawley, and then returned to bag the prized wicket of Joe Root. He also swept away the tail, dismissing Chris Woakes and Josh Tongue in rapid succession. But what made the spell even more impressive was the calm he showed despite being time and again let down by the fielders. Harry Brook was presented with an opportunity after Bumrah bowled a no-ball on Day 2, and three more opportunities one by Ravindra Jadeja and two by Yashasvi Jaiswal were wasted.
All of those lost chances were off Bumrah’s bowling and enabled England to nick away at India’s advantage. Nevertheless, the pace master remained focused like a laser, delivering at the right time. When other Indian bowlers lacked consistency and control, it was Bumrah who kept the attack together and finally concluded the innings, leaving India with a narrow six-run advantage.
His effort was his 14th five-wicket haul in Tests and the 12th overseas bringing him level with Kapil Dev’s record. As his colleagues swarmed over to congratulate him, Bumrah smiled into the sky in a moment of serene satisfaction. With India hoping to construct a big second-innings total, Bumrah’s heroics have provided them with momentum and confidence going into the last part of the game.
