Ben Stokes encourages batsmen to devise their “own approach” to tackle Bumrah
There’s no specific team strategy to counter Jasprit Bumrah, asserts England captain Ben Stokes.
The Indian pace spearhead has been a formidable force, claiming 15 wickets across the first two Tests, particularly showcasing his versatility on tracks that traditionally favor spinners.
Notably, Joe Root, England’s standout performer in these conditions and now the leading run-scorer against India in Test cricket, has found Bumrah’s reverse swing challenging.
Ahead of the third Test in Rajkot, Stokes emphasizes the importance for his batsmen to devise their own methods to combat the No.1 Test bowler.
He stresses the need for the team to find ways to score runs against Bumrah, much like they have done against the Indian spinners in the series so far.
“We don’t have a specific plan for Bumrah,” Stokes remarked.
“He’s an exceptional bowler who has proven himself over time and has performed exceptionally well in the first two games.
Each player has their own approach to dealing with Bumrah, but we must also focus on scoring runs against him.
When our plans don’t yield results, credit must be given to the bowler, and Bumrah has been outstanding.”
While Stokes anticipates a celebratory atmosphere for his 100th Test, he expresses eagerness to swiftly shift the focus back to cricket.
He acknowledges the significance of the milestone but prioritizes contributing to the team’s success against Bumrah and aiming to take a 2-1 lead in the series.
“I’m proud to reach the milestone of 100 Tests,” Stokes stated.
“It’s been a journey filled with both highs and lows, and every experience has been a learning opportunity.
However, my main focus remains on the game and scoring runs against Bumrah to help us secure a series lead.”
Reflecting on memorable Test matches, Stokes highlights Cape Town in 2019 (it was 2020) as one of his favorites, emphasizing the satisfaction of contributing to a team victory.
He also expresses gratitude towards England’s dedicated fanbase, underscoring their unwavering support through thick and thin.
As the series stands level at 1-1, Stokes believes it’s a fair reflection of the cricket played by both sides.
Looking ahead, he remains confident in England’s ability to seize a series lead if they perform to their potential.
“With the series level at 1-1, it’s a fair reflection of the cricket we’ve witnessed so far,” Stokes remarked.
“Our focus is solely on this upcoming game, and if we play to our capabilities, we’ll give ourselves a great chance of securing a series lead.
Our aim is to focus on playing good cricket, and the results will take care of themselves.”
Leave a Reply