In the first two Tests of the five-match series against England, Indian bowler Jasprit Bumrah has shown his genius. With 15 wickets taken at an average of 10.66, Bumrah is presently the series’ top wicket-taker. As of right now, Bumrah leads the ICC Test rankings for bowlers. He took nine wickets in the Vizag Test, earning him the title of Player of the Match. Bumrah picked up a 9-fer which includes a 6 wicket haul in the first innings of the second Test match.
Former Indian bowler Zaheer Khan while speaking to Jio Cinema heaped praise on the premier Indian pacer. Jasprit Bumrah has been able to use the ability of reverse swing pretty effectively in the first two games. Zaheer believes that Bumrah will unleash this ability well in the Rajkot Test. Zaheer believed that the pitch in Rajkot would be as same as it was in Hyderabad and Vizag.
While many cricket experts had predicted more turning tracks in India and also believed that the matches might only last till the first three days. However, the pitches have been more easy for the batsmen rather than the spinners. Also, the pacers and the spinners have been equally successful in the first two games.
Zaheer Khan on Jasprit Bumrah’s hidden ability ahead of third Test
Zaheer Khan said, “I hope the pitch is on similar lines to the one in Hyderabad and Vizag. On that kind of a surface, we should be able to see a good contest between bat and ball for the first two days and spin comes into play on the third day. You’ll see some reverse swing as well. And on the fourth and fifth days, you’ll have the spinners dominating. If that is the pattern, it will make for a nice viewing experience for all the spectators and the fans will enjoy.”
The third Test between India and England is all set to take place at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot from February 15. Both the teams have been equally good when it has been competing with each other. England have played more oppositely to the expectations of the cricket experts. The three lions have displayed an attacking display of cricket so far and have been batting with more aggressive intent.
India on the other hand have been on top of their game with the ball, however, they have not been able to perform well with the bat so far. The Indian team have not batted as per their reputation.
Virat Kohli and KL Rahul will not be available for India after they are ruled out of the game. The hosts are also concerned about the form of KS Bharat and the inexperienced middle order. Players like Sarfaraz Khan and Dhruv Jurel may receive opportunities in the Rajkot Test.
The loss of left-arm spinner Jack Leach to injury and the ongoing hostilities in the Indian camp have dealt a serious blow to the Three Lions.
Although the Rajkot pitch is often in the batsmen’s favor, it will be interesting to watch how the surface performs in the third Test.
