Former England player David Lloyd has praised Team India pacer Jasprit Bumrah for his stunning spells as batters find it difficult to face him. Bumrah, who is currently leading Team India in the rescheduled fifth and final Test against England at Edgbaston, has been one of the best bowlers in the side. He made his Test debut in 2018 and has taken fifers in England, Australia and South Africa as well.

In his column for the Daily Mail, Lloyd wrote, “Jasprit Bumrah is that rare beast of international cricket – a fast-bowling captain,” said Lloyd. “I can’t think of too many over the years – Bob Willis, Pat Cummins. Bumrah is high-quality and must be so awkward to face. His arms are stiff; the batsman doesn’t get a clear view of the ball due to the quirkiness of his action, and then he releases it at close to 90mph. He takes his wickets at spit.”

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In the ongoing Test at Edgbaston, Jasprit Bumrah removed Alex Lees, Zak Crawley and Ollie Pope. The 28-year-old experienced bowler has also created the record for hitting the most runs in an over in Tests, hitting Stuart Broad for 35 in his cameo of 31 off 16 balls as well. Meanwhile, Lloyd has also said that India is known for making great spinners and batters, but in Virat Kohli’s era as captain, they have seen the rise of fast bowlers too and Jasprit Bumrah is one of them.

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He added: “India has evolved as a team over the decades. Once noted for world-class spin bowlers, their next phase took in world-class batsmen. Fast bowling was neglected until the late 1980s when Dennis Lilee launched the MRF Pace Foundation. When Virat Kohli came along, he realised his team had to take 20 wickets to win Tests. Their attack has become a potent force since (then).”