Ben Stokes, Jofra Archer shamelessly planned to injure Jasprit Bumrah at Lord's! Filthy tactics exposed

Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif has alleged that England fast bowlers Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer planned to injure Jasprit Bumrah during the Lord's Test match. Kaif added that the duo targeted Bumrah with bouncers as he is a key threat with the ball and difficult for England’s batters to face.

Bumrah delivered a valiant batting performance on Day 5 of the third Test at Lord's. He faced 54 deliveries and provided crucial support to Ravindra Jadeja. India came close to pulling off a chase, but Stokes dismissed Bumrah, helping England secure a narrow 22-run victory and take a 2-1 lead in the series.

Stokes and Archer Planned to Bowl Bouncers Against Jasprit Bumrah - Mohammad Kaif

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Mohammad Kaif stated that the England bowlers were frustrated by Jasprit Bumrah's resistance. Kaif added that the strategy was not just about dismissing Bumrah, but also about trying to impact his availability for the remainder of the series.

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"Stokes and Archer planned to bowl bouncers against Bumrah. If he doesn't get out, hit him on the finger or shoulder to injure him. This stays in the mind of bowlers to injure the main bowler, whom our batters find tough to bat against. This was the plan, which worked later (to get him out)," said Kaif.

Before the series, India had announced that Jasprit Bumrah would play just three matches as part of workload management. He was rested for the Birmingham Test, which drew criticism from several experts. After India's defeat at Lord’s, speculations surrounding Bumrah’s availability began.

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Jasprit Bumrah Should Play Both Test Matches - Anil Kumble

Speaking to JioStar, former India head coach Anil Kumble urged the team management to play Jasprit Bumrah in the upcoming Test in Manchester, adding that his absence could cost India the match and the series. Kumble added that Bumrah could skip the home series.

"I would certainly, if I'm a part of that group, I would certainly push Bumrah to play the next game because that's crucial. If he doesn't play and then you lose the Test match, that's it," Kumble had said on Monday after the Lord's Test.

India lost the Lord's Test despite Ravindra Jadeja's heroics

England were bowled out for 192 in their second innings. India began their run chase in the final session of Day 4 but got off to a poor start as Yashasvi Jaiswal was dismissed for a duck in just the second over.

The visitors lost Karun Nair and captain Shubman Gill before stumps. Akash Deep was sent in as a nightwatchman at No. 5, but the tactic failed as he was dismissed in the final over of the day.

India ended Day 4 at 58/4, with KL Rahul at the crease. On Day 5, the team collapsed under pressure, but a partnership between Ravindra Jadeja and Jasprit Bumrah gave India hope before England wrapped up the match.

However, the visiting team were eventually bowled out for 170, with Ravindra Jadeja left stranded on 61 off 181 balls, including four boundaries and one six.

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