Former India speedster Irfan Pathan has shared that Jasprit Bumrah’s steps while returning to the top of his run-up showed his eagerness to pick up wickets on Day 2 of the second Test between India and South Africa as well. However, Bumrah registered figures of 6-61 in 13.5 overs as India bundled out South Africa for 176 in their second innings in Cape Town on Thursday, January 4. India then chased down the 79-run target with seven wickets in hand.

During a discussion on Star Sports, Pathan said: “When he was walking back to the top of his run-up, you could see an urgency in his gait. He wanted to pick up wickets. The intention was absolutely clear, that he didn’t get a five-wicket haul and Siraj got it (in the first innings). The areas in which he bowled, the length he changed, it happened because when you have the passion, you want to do everything which brings about a change, whether it is in the length or the walk while going back.”We saw a fantastic aggressive Jasprit Bumrah, which was required as Markram was showing amazing aggression.”

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Meanwhile, Aiden Markram smashed 106 off 103 and took on the Indian bowlers after Keshav Maharaj’s dismissal. But Bumrah’s early strikes made sure that India didn’t have to chase a challenging fourth-innings target a swell.

“The Indian team is fortunate that they have a leader in bowling who brings a very awkward action and knows how to make the conditions immaterial. His passion for playing Test cricket makes him extremely special,” Irfan Pathan concluded. “It seemed like he had come with the thought of bowling more outswingers. So we got to see wickets with outswing.”The caught and bowled (Marco Jansen’s dismissal) was also amazing. After Javagal Srinath, his record on South African pitches has been amazing. He is just behind him in the wicket-taking tally.”