"Can’t think of..." - Waqar Younis' verdict on Jasprit Bumrah's lethal yorker to Ollie Pope

Updated - 04 Feb 2024, 03:04 PM

Waqar Younis, Jasprit Bumrah
PC: X

Ace Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah delivered a sensational bowling performance on Day 3 of the second Test match against England. Jasprit Bumrah’s bowling performance earned acclaim from the cricketing community, including legendary Pakistani pacer Waqar Younis.

The Indian pacer picked up six wickets for 45 runs in England’s first innings of the second Test in Visakhapatnam. Bumrah dismissed key English batters, including Joe Root, Ollie Pope, Jonny Bairstow, and Ben Stokes. England was bowled out for 253 runs on Day 2.

Bumrah showcased his brilliance with a searing inswinging yorker that dismantled Ollie Pope’s stumps, leaving fans in awe of his exceptional skill even in batting-friendly conditions. The right-arm pacer’s delivery created a buzz across social media platforms on the internet.

Jasprit Bumrah’s Magic – Waqar Younis

Waqar Younis was asked if Jasprit Bumrah‘s yorker reminded him of someone. In response, Waqar praised Bumrah’s accuracy and skills, stating, ‘can’t think of anyone.’

“Can’t think of anyone Hemant 😉. Bumrah’s Magic,” Waqar wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter).

Bumrah became the second-fastest Asian pacer to claim 150 Test wickets, behind Waqar Younis. He also became the fastest Indian bowler to reach this mark, surpassing Umesh Yadav, Mohammed Shami, and Kapil Dev in terms of the number of balls bowled.

I Have Grown Up Watching Reverse Swing – Jasprit Bumrah

Jasprit Bumrah stated that legendary bowlers who mastered the reverse swing had a significant influence on his career. The fast bowler expressed joy in successfully implementing reverse swing techniques, especially in Indian conditions, where it plays a crucial role.

“As a child I have grown up watching reverse swing set-ups and legends bowling magical deliveries. That is something that really inspired me. So when I came into serious cricket, I learned how do you set up a batter and how do you use your strengths. I used to see this as a kid and now I am able to do it so really happy with that,” Bumrah stated.

“When you play in India, reverse swing plays an important role. Being born in this country, we learn the art of reverse swing in domestic cricket and can use it too our advantage. So very happy when you get wickets through reverse swing, no better feeling,” he further added.

Bumrah effectively utilized the reverse swing to secure a six-wicket haul, limiting the visitors to 253 runs in their first innings. His impactful spells on Day 2 played a crucial role, enabling India to seize a 143-run lead after the completion of both teams’ first innings.

Since returning from injury last year, the 30-year-old has displayed exceptional form across formats. The pacer excelled in the Asia Cup 2023 and the ODI World Cup 2023. He also helped India register a victory against South Africa in Cape Town with figures of 6/61.

The Mumbai Indian pacer might be rested for the next match to manage his workload. Bumrah picked up six wickets across the two innings during the series opener, where the home team suffered a 28-run loss in Hyderabad.

Also read: Jasprit Bumrah becomes India’s fastest bowler to complete 150 Test wickets, surpasses Kapil Dev, Ravichandran Ashwin

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IND vs ENG 2024 India National Cricket Team Jasprit Bumrah Waqar Younis