Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra showered praise on Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj after the duo showed stomach for a fight in the third Test match against England at Lord’s on Monday. In the run chase of 193, India were left reeling at 112-8 and looked down and out of the contest.
Bumrah faced 54 balls whereas Siraj supported Jadeja as he played 30 balls to keep England at bay. But eventually, India suffered a 22-run loss as the visitors could not get over the line.
Jadeja, who scored 61 runs off 181 balls, added 30, 35 and 23 with Nitish Reddy, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj respectively to keep India alive.
“Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah, if we look at Bumrah, he has been outstanding, the way he played. He played a lot of balls. It is a difficult thing. Not known for his batting. Balls were hitting him as well. He did his very best,” Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube Channel.
The renowned commentator hailed Mohammed Siraj’s attitude in the third Test against England.
“Siraj, he warms my heart. Miyan Magic is an incredible guy. When he bowls, he gives his 100%. We didn’t talk much about him yesterday (Day 4), we were focusing more on Washington Sundar, but he has been outstanding, whether you see the last match or this match, and his attitude in this match,” he observed.
On the other hand, the reputed analyst hailed England captain Ben Stokes for giving his heart and soul in the third Test. Stokes returned with figures of 3-48 in the second innings.
“Let’s also give credit where it’s due, the way England won the match in the end. Ben Stokes’ bowling, he puts his heart and soul, which is great. He is underperforming with the bat, but he is putting his best in bowling,” he said.
The fourth Test match between England and India will be played at Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester, from July 23 onwards.