Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah displayed his finest performance against England on day two of the ongoing Test in Visakhapatnam, securing an impressive six-wicket haul. His figures of 6/45, which included a moment that quickly gained traction on social media, showcased his exceptional skills.
Bumrah delivered a scorching inswinging yorker that disarrayed Ollie Pope's stumps, highlighting his prowess as a bowler. Many drew parallels between this delivery and the yorkers that former Pakistani legendary fast bowler Waqar Younis was known for during his prime.
On X (formerly known as Twitter), a fan cheekily tagged Waqar Younis, asking if Jasprit Bumrah's yorker brought back memories of the former pacer's playing days. Waqar praised Bumrah for his accuracy and skills in his response.
"Can’t think of anyone Hemant. Bumrah’s Magic"
Bumrah also became the second-fastest Asian pacemaker to pick up 150 Test wickets, following none other than Waqar Younis. The star pacemaker stepped up on a day when India needed inspiration after being 1-0 down in the series.
Jasprit Bumrah was likely referring to Waqar Younis as one of the legends when he claimed that he watched some great bowlers bowling reverse-swing as he grew up.
Bumrah shed light on how important it was to learn the art of setting the batter up, even if the ball was reversing. Here's what he told the host broadcaster after the end of play on Day 2:
"As a child I have grown up watching reverse swing set-ups and legends bowling magical deliveries. That is something that really inspired me. So when I came into serious cricket, I learned how do you set up a batter and how do you use your strengths. I used to see this as a kid and now I am able to do it so really happy with that."
It is Bumrah's brilliance that sees India in the ascendancy at the time of writing in the Visakhapatnam Test. At this time of filing this story, the hosts have scored 244/8 in their second innings and lead by 387 runs.
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Waqar Younis
