India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah delivered a standout performance in the third Test against England, held at Lord’s in London from July 10 to 14. Known for his lethal pace and accuracy, Jasprit Bumrah once again proved why he is one of the most feared bowlers in world cricket. In the first innings, he was India’s top performer with the ball, taking five wickets for 74 runs. He followed it up with two more scalps in the second innings, showcasing his consistency and control throughout the match.
However, it was not just Bumrah’s bowling that drew attention this time. In a gripping turn of events during India’s second innings, he showcased incredible resilience with the bat. Coming in at No. 10 during the second session on July 14, Jasprit Bumrah held firm at the crease for nearly two hours. He played 54 balls and managed just five runs but more importantly, he built a crucial ninth-wicket partnership with Ravindra Jadeja. Together, they added 35 runs across 22 overs, frustrating the English bowlers and momentarily reviving India’s hopes of chasing down a tricky fourth-innings target.
This defensive stand, however, sparked a fresh controversy. Former Indian batter Mohammad Kaif, speaking on his YouTube channel, alleged that the English bowlers, led by Test captain Ben Stokes and pacer Jofra Archer, were so exasperated by Jasprit Bumrah’s resistance that they resorted to a hostile tactic, deliberately attempting to injure him.
According to Mohammad Kaif, the duo strategised to unleash a barrage of bouncers, aiming not just to dismiss Bumrah but to physically harm him ahead of the crucial fourth Test in Manchester.
Mohammad Kaif elaborated that Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer were focused on hitting Bumrah on the shoulder or fingers, seeing him as a key player whose absence could tilt the balance in the series. He described this as a calculated attempt to intimidate and weaken India’s bowling attack by targeting its leader. The plan, according to Kaif, ultimately succeeded when Jasprit Bumrah was dismissed in the 62nd over after attempting an aggressive shot off Ben Stokes. He failed to connect cleanly and substitute fielder Sam Cook completed the catch, ending Bumrah’s dogged resistance.
Following Jasprit Bumrah’s dismissal, Mohammed Siraj joined Jadeja and the pair added another 23 runs for the final wicket in a 13.2-over stand. Despite their efforts, India couldn’t reach the target of 193 runs in the final innings, falling short in a tense finish at the Home of Cricket.
Jasprit Bumrah’s all-round effort and the allegations of England’s questionable tactics have added extra drama to an already intense Test series. What is your take on this shocking statement made by Mohammad Kaif? Let us know your views in this regard.
