Indian cricket stars Jasprit Bumrah and Shardul Thakur shared a lighthearted moment of banter during a practice session, ahead of the crucial third Test against England, where Bumrah is set to make a highly anticipated return.
Friendly Banter Heats Up Practice
The camaraderie between teammates was on full display as Jasprit Bumrah, India’s star pacer, playfully poked fun at all-rounder Shardul Thakur. Shardul, affectionately nicknamed ‘Lord’ by fans, started the exchange by jokingly touching Bumrah’s feet.
Bumrah seized the moment, quipping, “Dekho, Lord’s, Lord (Lord is at Lord’s),” a clever play on Thakur’s moniker and the historic Lord’s Cricket Ground. Shardul quickly retorted, “Tabhi Jasprit Bumrah ke pair padhne padhte hain. (That is why I am touching Bumrah’s feet).”
Bumrah’s final playful jab closed the exchange: “Ye unka badhappan hain. Main inkse saath khada hua ki main jeet gaya (That’s his greatness. I already won when I stood next to him).” The amusing interaction, shared by the BCCI, offered a glimpse into the team’s relaxed atmosphere.
Bumrah’s Crucial Comeback
Jasprit Bumrah was rested for the second Test against England in Edgbaston due to workload management. In his absence, Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep stepped up, helping India secure a dominant 336-run victory.
Now, with the series finely balanced at 1-1, Bumrah’s return for the third Test is a significant boost for the Indian bowling attack. His experience and wicket-taking ability are expected to pose a tougher challenge to an unsettled England lineup.
Series Outlook: India’s Momentum
India’s emphatic win in the second Test has dramatically shifted the narrative of the series. Despite some dropped catches and lower-order collapses in the first game, India showed immense resilience and skill to bounce back convincingly.
With Bumrah replacing Prasidh Krishna, the Indian pace battery will look potent. Former England pacer Darren Gough highlighted India’s bowling strength, stating, “Bumrah is by far better than anybody else on show, but the way Akash Deep bowled the last Test and Siraj, they were outstanding.”
Gough added that having three seamers who can consistently take wickets is a huge advantage for India and a concern for England. This strong bowling unit, combined with India’s in-form batters, sets the stage for a thrilling encounter on what could be a challenging surface.
- Jasprit Bumrah returns to the Indian squad for the 3rd Test against England.
- Bumrah and Shardul Thakur engaged in playful banter during practice.
- India leads the five-match series 1-1 after a convincing win in the second Test.
- Bumrah’s return is expected to significantly strengthen India’s pace attack.
All eyes will now be on the third Test as India aims to carry its momentum forward, with a refreshed and formidable bowling unit ready for action.
