Jasprit Bumrah has shared insights into his clash with England’s James Anderson during the 2021 Lord’s Test. The 30-year-old implied that India’s display of aggression ignited the entire England team.
England’s seamers had targeted Bumrah and Mohammed Shami with short-pitched deliveries, but the plan failed as the duo forged an undefeated 89-run partnership in the second innings, with Shami scoring 56*, contributing to a match-winning lead for India.
In the 26th over of England’s second innings, Bumrah delivered ten balls to Anderson, with four of them being no-balls. Four of those deliveries were short-pitched. In a recent interview with The Guardian, Bumrah discussed the incident, mentioning:
“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.”
The series became a memorable one for Bumrah as he concluded as the leading wicket-taker from both teams, capturing 23 dismissals in nine innings at an average of 22.47.
“I’ve been watching him since I was a child” – Jasprit Bumrah views on James Anderson
Despite their somewhat unfriendly exchange, Bumrah expressed deep respect for Anderson, acknowledging that the veteran’s enduring career has been a source of inspiration. He mentioned:
“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.”
Anderson, with 690 Test wickets, might be embarking on his final tour to India. However, it’s improbable that the Lancashire seamer will participate in all five Tests of the series starting on January 25.
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