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 currently the highest wicket-taker in the series. At the moment, Bumrah leads the ICC Test rankings for bowlers. He took nine wickets in the Vizag Test, earning him the Player of the Match title. Bumrah took a 9-fer including a 6-wicket haul in the first innings of the second Test match.
Former Indian bowler Zaheer Khan, while speaking to Jio Cinema, praised the leading Indian pacer. Jasprit Bumrah has been able to use the reverse swing skill quite effectively in the first two games. Zaheer believes Bumrah will unleash this skill well in the Rajkot Test. Zaheer believed that the countryside in Rajkot would be the same as in Hyderabad and Vizag.
While many cricket experts had predicted more hints of change in India and also believed that the matches might last only up to the first three days. However, the pitches have been easier for batsmen than spinners. Furthermore, the pacers and spinners have been equally successful in the first two games.
Zaheer Khan on Jasprit Bumrah’s hidden ability ahead of the third Test
Zaheer Khan said, “I hope the pitch will be similar to that of Hyderabad and Vizag. On that type of surface, we should be able to see good competition between bat and ball for the first two days and spin comes into play on the third day. You’ll also see some reverse swing. And on the fourth and fifth day, you will have the spinners dominating. “If that is the pattern, it will be an enjoyable viewing experience for all viewers and fans will enjoy it.”
The third Test between India and England is scheduled to take place at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot from February 15. Both teams have been equally good when they have been competing against each other. England have played more opposite to the expectations of cricket experts. The three lions have shown an offensive display of cricket so far and have been batting with more aggressive intentions.
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 has not batted as per its reputation.
Virat Kohli and KL Rahul will not be available for India after being ruled out of the game. The hosts are also worried about KS Bharat’s form and the inexperienced middle team. Players like Sarfaraz Khan and Dhruv Jurel can get opportunities in the Rajkot Test.
The loss of left-arm pace bowler Jack Leach to injury and the ongoing hostilities in the Indian camp have dealt a blow to the Three Lions.
Although the Rajkot pitch usually favors batsmen, it will be interesting to see how the surface performs in the third Test.
