Indian paceman Jasprit Bumrah shared his strategic approach to spinners in the ongoing Test series against England. Bumrah revealed that he encourages spinners to complete their overs quickly, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the shine of the red ball for reverse swing.
After a stellar performance in the first Test in Hyderabad, where Bumrah claimed six wickets on a spin-friendly pitch, India suffered a 28-run defeat against Ben Stokes-led England, resulting in a 1-0 lead for the visitors.
As the second Test in Visakhapatnam began, Bumrah highlighted his role in motivating spinners to swiftly complete their overs, ensuring the ball’s shine is preserved on one side. With the absence of the saliva rule, maintaining the ball becomes challenging, and Bumrah believes a well-maintained ball is crucial for effective reverse swing.
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Jasprit Bumrah explained, “I’m always behind everybody’s back. In India, if the ball becomes soft, you have to take care of the ball. With the saliva rule not being there, it’s difficult to maintain the ball sometimes. I’m always behind the spinners… ‘bowl your overs quickly and shine the ball.'”
Bumrah breathing 🔥!
He picks his 3⃣rd wicket! 👏 👏
A good low catch @ShubmanGill as Jonny Bairstow gets out. 👌 👌
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“Because when it reverses, it will help us, and it will help them,” expressed Jasprit Bumrah during a conversation with broadcasters. He added, “I’m always behind (their backs), and of course, if the ball is well-maintained, it is always an added bonus.”
Bumrah showcased his ability to trouble England’s batters with reverse swing in the third day of the previous Test, dismissing Ben Duckett and Joe Root swiftly in the first session, finishing with figures of 4/41 in England’s second innings.
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In the ongoing second Test in Visakhapatnam, India, led by Captain Rohit Sharma, opted to bat after making three changes to the XI due to injuries to KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja. Young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal stole the show with a remarkable maiden double century, contributing 209 runs with 19 fours and 7 sixes.
Shubman Gill was the second-highest scorer with 34 runs. England’s openers, Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley, made a solid start, adding 59 runs for the first wicket. However, Kuldeep Yadav dismissed Duckett for 21 runs, and Crawley was later dismissed for 76 runs, leaving England at 114/2 at the time of writing.
