Indian pace sensation Jasprit Bumrah made history at Lord’s, claiming his first five-wicket haul at the iconic ground and breaking Kapil Dev’s long-standing record for most overseas five-fors by an Indian bowler, drawing high praise from former England pacer Stuart Broad.
Bumrah’s Lord’s Masterpiece
Jasprit Bumrah etched his name onto the prestigious Lord’s honours board, a dream for any cricketer, after securing his 15th five-wicket haul in Test cricket. This significant achievement came during the second day of the India-England Third Test, marking a memorable milestone in his career.
His impressive performance included a sensational seven-ball burst on day two, where he dismissed key English batsmen Joe Root, Ben Stokes, and Chris Woakes. This crucial spell left England reeling and showcased Bumrah’s incredible skill and ability to dismantle top batting line-ups.
Shattering Records
Beyond the Lord’s honours, Bumrah also surpassed a legendary Indian record held by Kapil Dev. With his 13th overseas five-wicket haul, he broke Dev’s record of 12 such achievements.
What makes this feat even more remarkable is the speed at which Bumrah achieved it. He reached this milestone in just 35 overseas Tests, while Kapil Dev took 66 matches to set his record, highlighting Bumrah’s rapid impact on the international stage.
Stuart Broad’s High Praise
Former England fast bowler Stuart Broad, the second-highest wicket-taker for England in Tests, lauded Bumrah’s exceptional talent. Broad described Bumrah as a bowler who “challenges the best batters in the world.”
“That spell of getting Stokes, Root, and Woakes summed up Jasprit Bumrah,” Broad told Sky Sports. He added that Bumrah brings all sorts of dismissals into play, creating “amazing drama, amazing theater” with his swing and carry.
The Curious Case of the Ball Change
Broad also speculated that Bumrah might have secured his five-wicket haul earlier in the day if not for an unforeseen incident. The Indian team had requested a change of the second new ball after bowling just over ten overs with it, as it had gone out of shape.
According to Broad, the replacement ball was softer and did not offer as much movement, frustrating Indian captain Shubman Gill. This meant Bumrah had to show extra patience to claim his fifth wicket later, though he eventually did, confirming his spot on the honours board.
A Global Phenomenon
Bumrah’s recent performance also saw him match another significant record: Wasim Akram’s 11 five-wicket hauls in SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia) countries. This puts him in an elite company of pace bowlers who have dominated in challenging conditions worldwide.
With 215 wickets from 47 Tests at an impressive average of 19.49 and best figures of 6/27, Bumrah continues to be a cornerstone of the Indian bowling attack.
Bumrah’s Special Feeling at Lord’s
Reflecting on his achievement, Bumrah expressed his joy. “It’s really special,” he told BBC. “We don’t come here very often, maybe every four years. You never know how many matches you’ll get to play here.”
He added that as a child, watching Test cricket at Lord’s was a dream, and being on the honours board felt incredibly rewarding. This latest milestone solidifies Bumrah’s status as one of the most exciting and impactful bowlers in modern cricket.
