Team India’s veteran fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah has shared his altercation with England speedster James Anderson during the Lord’s Test in 2021. The veteran has also suggested that India showed aggression against England. However, England’s seamers bowled many short-pitched deliveries on the Indian tailenders, Bumrah and Mohammed Shami. However, their plan backfired as the pair added an unbeaten 89-run stand in the second innings, with the latter hitting 56*. It helped India put up a match-winning lead as well. Meanwhile, in the 26th over during England’s second innings, Bumrah bowled ten deliveries to Anderson, which also included four no-balls. Four of the deliveries were short-pitched too.
In a recent interview with The Guardian, Bumrah recalled the incident, stating: “I was tired, I thought the last wicket was there, I tried to push to bowl fast. I went up to him [mid-over], asked ‘Are you OK?’ and didn’t get a good response. So that brought back some young memories; trying to be the nice guy and it not being taken well. And it triggered the whole team. It was red mist but it was channelled.”
READ MORE: Virat Kohli shares the importance of maintaining diet
However, the series proved to be a memorable one for Jasprit Bumrah as he finished as the highest wicket-taker from both sides, claiming 23 scalps in nine innings at 22.47. Despite the incident, Bumrah said that he has immense respect for James Anderson, saying that the veteran’s longevity has been inspirational as well. Anderson, who has scalped 690 Test wickets, could reach 700 wickets in his tour to India. But, he is unlikely to play all five Tests in the series which begins on January 25 as well.
“A lot of credit to [Anderson], I can genuinely say I’ve been watching him since I was a child. It’s credit to him [he is still playing at 41], a testament to his hunger and passion. It’s one thing having helpful conditions but to keep doing all that preparation. Skill, technique can be learned but the will to keep going, that’s a big big tick for me,” Jasprit Bumrah concluded.
