Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah was the highlight of the second day’s play during the ongoing third Test against England at Lord’s, not only due to his stellar bowling performance but also because of his composed response to a potentially controversial issue involving frequent ball replacements.
Throughout the second day, both teams struggled with the Dukes ball, which repeatedly lost its shape. India first raised concerns just ten overs into the innings when the ball failed to pass through the umpires’ testing hoop. Indian captain Shubman Gill expressed clear displeasure, engaging in animated discussions with the umpires. Even after a replacement was provided, another ball change became necessary only 48 deliveries later, intensifying frustration. Later in the final session, England also requested a change, but their ball passed inspection, and play continued.
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When asked about these frequent ball replacements, Bumrah chose a careful yet humorous stance to avoid any controversy. “The ball changes, I don’t really control that,” Bumrah remarked. “Obviously, I don’t want to lose out on money because I work very hard and play a lot of overs. So, I don’t want to say any controversial statements and get my match fees deducted. But we were bowling with the ball that we were given. And that’s how it is. We can’t change it. We can’t fight it. Sometimes it goes your way. Sometimes you get a bad ball. That’s how it is.”
Despite these challenges, Bumrah delivered an outstanding performance, picking up 5 wickets for 74 runs in his 27 overs. His wickets included crucial dismissals of key batters—Harry Brook, Joe Root, and Ben Stokes—which limited England to 387 runs. This performance saw Bumrah surpass legendary Indian all-rounder Kapil Dev’s record, making him the Indian bowler with the most five-wicket hauls (13) in away Tests.
His performance also placed him alongside Pakistan legend Wasim Akram, sharing the record for the most five-wicket hauls (11) by an Asian bowler in SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand, Australia) countries.
Bumrah also addressed comments from younger teammate Nitish Kumar Reddy, who earlier said the young bowlers follow whatever Bumrah advises. Reacting jokingly, Bumrah said, “Sir, first, that answer is a lie. He’s not asked me anything. But the other thing is that these youngsters are very confident, and they don’t need a lot of guidance or information. Whenever and whatever capacity they need me, I’m right there to help them out, and I share my experiences and what I learned in the previous tours over here.”
He further added, “I’m not trying to jump into every conversation, give them too much information, or try to tell them to do things like I do because that’s not how it will work. Because my technique is different. My way of bowling is different, and my way of handling things will be different. But if anything they require or any assistance they require, I try to help to the best of my capacity.”
The press conference had another amusing moment when a reporter’s phone rang mid-conversation. Bumrah promptly responded with humour, saying, “Somebody’s wife is calling. But I will not pick it up,” bringing laughter to the room.
When asked about his most memorable cricketing moment in England, Bumrah nostalgically recalled the second Test at Lord’s in 2021. Despite being wicketless in the first innings and falling for a duck, he and Mohammed Shami dramatically turned the match around with an unbeaten 89-run partnership in the second innings, leading India to a famous 151-run victory.
“I don’t think about records and milestones too much. The most memorable Test match for me was in England last time, when Shami Bhai and I won the match with batting. So obviously, I will remember those memories,” Bumrah recalled fondly. He further explained, “It is a good thing to come to the Honours Board. When my son grows up, I can tell him that my name is on the Honours Board, and it is also there in many other places. But I remember the memories. In that match, I took only 3 or 4 wickets. But that memory was very special for me because we came forward in the game from behind and we had them all out in 60 overs. So memories are very important to me.”
Reflecting on criticisms and expectations surrounding his performances, Bumrah highlighted his acceptance of scrutiny as a part of professional cricket. “Obviously, when I play for India, I want to contribute as much as I can, and when you can do it, you feel good that you have put the team in a good position. My thought process remains the same,” he stated calmly.
Bumrah elaborated, “As long as I wear this jersey, there will be judgments because every cricketer goes through that. As long as I am playing on TV, there will be judgments. That is a part and parcel of professional sport. Even when Sachin sir played 200 Test matches, he was still judged. I’ve just left it that way. So everybody judges. And I forgot the question. But yes, that’s how it is.”
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