Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra hailed Jasprit Bumrah for his match-winning performance in the second Test match against England at Vizag after the hosts registered a convincing win of 106 runs to square the series.
Bumrah returned with match figures of 9-91, his second-best in Test cricket. The Indian pack leader registered figures of 6-45 in the first innings as he got the ball to reverse to breathe down the neck of the England batters. Bumrah’s magical spell helped India in skittling out England at 253 and thus the hosts took a lead of 143 runs in the first essay.
The right-arm pacer also bagged three wickets in the second dig to continue his good form. Bumrah has an impeccable record in Indian conditions as he has scalped 29 wickets in six Test matches at an unbelievable average of 13.06.
Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube Channel, “We were saying these pitches are extremely flat and that there is no help for fast bowlers. Jasprit Bumrah said hold my juice. You are watching a modern master. This player’s skills are of a different level.”
The reputed commentator picked Jasprit Bumrah as the standout performer in the second Test.
“I have kept only one guy in the splendid category. To be fair, there were other contenders but he also got the Player of the Match. He started in Hyderabad, two wickets in the first innings, four in the second innings, six in the third innings, and then again three wickets. Nine wickets in a Test match on a flat pitch,” Chopra said.
Chopra recalled that the last time a fast bowler was awarded Player of the Match in Indian conditions was way back in 2019 when Ishant Sharma bowled a fine spell in the pink ball Test against Bangladesh at Kolkata.
“The last time a fast bowler got a Man of the Match in India was way back in 2019. It was a pink-ball Test match in Eden Gardens and Bangladesh was the opposition. To be fair, a lot of grass was left there. Ishant Sharma was the Man of the Match there but there was nothing for the spinners there.”
Chopra lauded Bumrah for delivering the goods on a flat pitch as he bowled at his absolute best.
“However, this wasn’t a seaming pitch. It was an extremely flat pitch. If there was any moisture, that also evaporated in the first hour of the first day. Bumrah bowled second and then on the fourth day. His deliveries are talking in the air. The yorker to Ollie Pope has a separate fan base,” Chopra observed.
The third Test match between India and England will be played at Rajkot from 15th February onwards.
