Herschelle Gibbs recently sparked debate on social media, publicly questioning the “intent” of Jasprit Bumrah and India’s top order during a crucial Test match chase at Lord’s.
Gibbs Questions Bumrah’s Approach
The former South African cricketer took to Twitter after India fell short by 22 runs in a thrilling Test. He pointed to a “lack of intent” as a key factor in India’s loss, even while acknowledging it was a “great Test match.”
Surprisingly, his criticism extended to Jasprit Bumrah, India’s number 10 batsman. Gibbs questioned why Bumrah, despite famously holding the record for the most runs in an over in Test cricket, didn’t show more aggression earlier in his 53-ball innings.
The “Intent” Debate
Gibbs, known for his attacking style during his playing days, views “intent” as an all-encompassing trait. He seemed unconvinced by arguments that match circumstances, like chasing a target or pitch conditions, might justify a more cautious approach.
He argued that Bumrah’s past performance, where he pulled and hooked for sixes, showed he was capable of putting pressure on bowlers. Gibbs suggested that the same attacking mindset should have been applied during the Lord’s chase.
Training Guns on India’s Top Order
While Bumrah was a specific focus, Gibbs also extended his critique to India’s main batsmen. He felt the top order didn’t pull their weight and allowed England’s bowlers to settle.
Gibbs stated that the top batsmen were too complacent, failing to apply pressure and instead allowing the opposition to bowl without fear. He stressed that “slogging is not intent,” but a proactive approach is crucial.
He observed that India’s batsmen “defended for 2 hours basically,” suggesting they could have been more positive earlier in their innings, particularly before lunch.
A Nod to Test Cricket’s Appeal
Despite his strong opinions on India’s batting, Gibbs did express appreciation for the five-day Test format. He highlighted the “beauty of the 5th day when 2 top teams go at it,” using the thrilling conclusion as a counter-argument to proposals for four-day Tests.
- Herschelle Gibbs criticized India’s “lack of intent” during their Test match chase.
- He specifically questioned Jasprit Bumrah’s defensive batting, comparing it to his past attacking performances.
- Gibbs also blamed India’s top order for not showing enough aggression and putting pressure on the bowlers.
- Despite the criticism, Gibbs praised the five-day Test format for its thrilling finishes.
Gibbs’ comments sparked considerable discussion online, reflecting his consistent and often provocative views on how cricket should be played.
