"I'm always behind spinners..." - Jasprit Bumrah reveals India's strategy to generate reverse swing 

Indian pace bowling spearhead Jasprit Bumrah revealed his strategy with spinners for the ongoing five-match Test series against England. Jasprit Bumrah stated that he encourages spinners to complete their overs swiftly to maintain the shine of the red ball.

Jasprit Bumrah claimed six wickets in India’s first Test on a spin-friendly track in Hyderabad. Despite his outstanding performance, the home team suffered a 28-run loss to the Ben Stokes-led side. As a result, India conceded a crucial 1-0 lead to the opposition team.

Always Behind Everybody’s Back – Jasprit Bumrah

Ahead of the second Test, Jasprit Bumrah emphasized his role in encouraging spinners to swiftly complete their overs and maintain the ball’s shine on one side. Bumrah stressed the importance of a well-maintained ball for the reverse swing.

“I’m always behind everybody’s back. In India, if the ball becomes soft, you have to take care of the ball. With the saliva rule not being there, it’s difficult to maintain the ball sometimes. I’m always behind the spinners… ‘bowl your overs quickly and shine the ball’. Because when it reverses, it will help us, and it will help them,” Bumrah told the broadcasters.

“I’m always behind (their backs), and of course, if the ball is well-maintained, it is always an added bonus,” he added.

Jasprit Bumrah troubled England batters with the reverse swing on the third day. The pacer swung the ball both ways. He went on to dismiss Ben Duckett and Joe Root quickly in the first session, ending with figures of 4/41 in England’s second innings in Hyderabad.

Since his return from injury last year, he has been in sparkling form, including at the Asia Cup 2023 and the ODI World Cup 2023. The pacer played a crucial role in India’s Test victory against South Africa in Cape Town, registering figures of 6/61 in the second innings.

Yashasvi Jaiswal Smashes Maiden Double Hundred In 2nd Test

India, led by Captain Rohit Sharma, opted to bat in the second Test against England in Visakhapatnam. The home team made three changes in the playing XI following injuries to KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja. Batter Rajat Patidar made his Test debut for India.

The Indian team posted a total of 396 runs in the first innings, led by young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal’s impressive maiden double century, amassing 209 runs with 19 fours and 7 sixes. Shubman Gill contributed as the second-highest scorer for India with 34 runs.

Rajat Patidar scored 32 from 72 deliveries. Axar Patel, Shreyas Iyer, and Ravichandran Ashwin added 27 (51), 27 (59), and 20 (37) runs, respectively. James Anderson, Rehan Ahmed, and Shoaib Bashir claimed three wickets each, while Tom Hartley secured one wicket.

England openers Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley established a solid start, contributing 59 runs for the first wicket. Kuldeep Yadav disrupted the partnership by dismissing Duckett for 21 runs. Crawley was dismissed for 76 runs, limiting the England team to 114/2.

India vs England Playing XI

India: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma(c), Shubman Gill, Rajat Patidar, Shreyas Iyer, Srikar Bharat(w), Ravichandran Ashwin, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mukesh Kumar

Also read: “Jasprit Bumrah was a bit odd, a bit Weird at times..”- Mark Wood sledges Indian pacer