Jasprit Bumrah’s return to Test cricket has been nothing short of remarkable. Since his comeback, he has taken 27 wickets, showcasing his immense talent and skill. Recently, he achieved a significant milestone by becoming the number 1 ranked pacer in the ICC Test Bowlers ranking. This makes him the first Indian pacer to reach the top spot and the first bowler to be ranked first in all formats.
After missing out on 11 months of cricket, Bumrah made a strong comeback. He played in various series, including the T20I series against Ireland, the Asia Cup, and the 2023 World Cup. However, it was during the tour of South Africa that he truly made his mark. In just three innings, he managed to pick up an impressive 12 wickets.
Bumrah’s exceptional performance continued during England’s tour of India. His ability to generate reverse swing proved to be a game-changer, as he took 15 wickets in four innings. The 2nd Test was particularly memorable, as he claimed 9 wickets in total, including a five-wicket haul. One of the standout moments of the match was when he bowled his iconic yorker to Ollie Pope.
Fans and experts alike were in awe of Bumrah’s mastery of reverse swing. His victims during the 2nd Test included notable players like Joe Root, Ollie Pope, Jonny Bairstow, Ben Stokes, Tom Hartley, and James Anderson. Bumrah revealed that he actually learned how to bowl reverse swing before mastering conventional swing, as it proved to be effective in Indian conditions.
When discussing his delivery to Pope, Bumrah explained his strategic approach. He set up the batter by bowling a couple of balls that moved away from him. Then, he surprised him with a reverse inswinging yorker, a delivery he hadn’t used earlier in the match. This tactic worked perfectly, as the ball hit the timber and resulted in a wicket.