England’s head coach Brendon McCullum admitted that Jasprit Bumrah is unique and they will need to find ways to counter him in the ongoing five-match Test series. Bumrah bagged a total of six wickets in the opening Test match at Hyderabad, returning with impressive figures of 4-41 in the second innings.
The Indian gun fast bowler continued his good show, taking 6-45 in the first innings at Vizag on a flat pitch. Subsequently, Bumrah bagged three wickets in the second essay and returned with figures of 9-91 in the match. The ace pacer was awarded the Player of the Match for his magnificent performance.
Meanwhile, Bumrah has scalped 29 wickets in six Test matches at an average of 13.06 while playing in home conditions.
“No doubt Bumrah is very good, but we have come up against very good bowlers all through the last 18 months or so and found ways to counter them and that is what we have got to do in this one,” McCullum said in the press conference.
On the other hand, McCullum has instilled a fearless approach in England players. The former New Zealand captain reckons role clarity is very important for every player in the team.
“We don’t really do theories. It is about making sure the guys are totally clear and present, confident and have conviction in their method. They are a lot better than I ever was and they will work out how best to go about it,” McCullum said.
“There are contrasting ways of going about it. We will see where we get to. For now, we have to tip our cap to Jasprit and say that spell was as good as anything we have seen so far on this trip,” he commended the star Indian bowler.
“It’s all condition-dependent. When the ball is swinging like that he becomes even more of a threat. He is a fantastic bowler in all forms of the game. He is unique with his release points and with how much swing he can generate in the air,” he continued.
Bumrah has bagged a total of 15 wickets, which is the most in the ongoing series. The third Test match between India and England will be played at Rajkot from 15th February onwards.
