India vs England 2021: Jos Buttler Wary Of The Threat Posed By Jasprit Bumrah In The Test Series

England’s wicket-keeper batsman, Jos Buttler admits that facing Jasprit Bumrah in the upcoming 4-match Test series will be challenging. He asserts that since the Indian pace spearhead has an awkward and unique action, it makes him a less decipherable entity.

Jasprit Bumrah is set to make his maiden Test appearance on Indian soil after making his Test debut in 2018. The right-arm seamer has played 6 Test series, but all outside Asia. The first Test will begin on 5th February in Chennai and the second match on 13th February at the same venue.

Jos Buttler reckons that their batters would need a bit of time to adjust to Bumrah’s slingy action and a short run-up.

“If you haven’t faced guys before and somebody like a (Jasprit) Bumrah, who has a bit of unique action it can be a bit of a problem. It takes some (time) getting used to it,” Jos Buttler said during a virtual press conference.

While Chennai traditionally offers a spin-friendly pitch, Bumrah will enjoy the conditions at the Motera Stadium in Ahmedabad, which going by matches in the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy offers plenty of movement and carry for the pacers.

The third Test of the series is a day-night affair to be played with the pink ball, which will again favour the pacer compare to spinners, and hence Bumrah may continue his excellent bowling record in Tests. Currently, the Mumbai Indians pacer has snared 79 wickets in 17 Tests at a brilliant average of 21.59.

Playing in the IPL gives overseas players familiarity with Indian conditions: Jos Buttler

The Rajasthan Royals opener opines that the experience of playing in the IPL gives overseas players a good hint of the pitches and India. Jos Buttler, who has a hundred and 5 fifties in Tests against India, believes players develop get familiar with the subcontinent conditions while playing in the IPL. It is reported that the right-hander will leave after the first Test owing to England’s player rotation policy, but could return for the limited-overs matches.

“Certainly, for the boys who have played international cricket before against India and played against (them) in the IPL, certainly know the angles and what to expect a little bit. I think the thing that IPL does give you is familiarity with the wickets, and the guy having played against the majority of the guys, sort of understanding of their action and how they try and bowl,” the 30-year-old added.

The Three Lions are coming off a clean sweep over Sri Lanka, and the hosts are riding on high confidence from their historic triumph in Australia – promising an exciting series to come.

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