Dale Steyn and Aakash Chopra Reveal Why Jasprit Bumrah Reigns as Cricket’s Best Bowler
During the first Test match at Eden Gardens, Jasprit Bumrah showcased his exceptional skills, securing his 16th five-wicket haul. His brilliant performance dismantled the South African batting lineup, which was bowled out for a mere 159 runs on the opening day.
Jasprit Bumrah Dominates Day 1
Bumrah’s figures of 5 for 27 in 14 overs highlighted his dominance. He started the day with a quiet spell but returned to make impactful breakthroughs. After removing Rickelton, he bowled Markram with an outstanding delivery, leading to the eventual collapse of the South African team.
- South Africa’s score: 159 all out
- Bumrah’s bowling figures: 5 wickets for 27 runs in 14 overs
- India’s score at close of play: 37 for 1
Expert Praise for Bumrah’s Performance
Former South African pacer Dale Steyn has lauded Bumrah, selecting him as his player of the day. Steyn mentioned that Bumrah changed the game’s dynamics after a slow start, emphasizing the significance of his bowling exertion.
Aakash Chopra, an Indian commentator, echoed these sentiments, labeling Bumrah a rare talent unmatched by contemporary bowlers. He stated, “If Test cricket is art, Bumrah is its artist.” Chopra noted Bumrah’s unpredictability and his mastery over various bowling techniques.
Support from Teammates
Alongside Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj and Kuldeep Yadav made significant contributions, each taking two wickets. This collective effort from the Indian bowlers ensured sustained pressure on the South African batsmen, who began with a promising stand of 57 runs but faltered drastically under Bumrah’s relentless attack.
- Other wicket-takers:
- Mohammed Siraj: 2 wickets
- Kuldeep Yadav: 2 wickets
As India heads into Day 2, they are well-positioned with KL Rahul and Washington Sundar set to continue their innings, trailing by 122 runs. The match will showcase further displays of skill and strategy as both teams aim for dominance.
