ENG vs IND: Ian Chappell Fascinated With Ben Stokes' Leadership Battle With Jasprit Bumrah

Former Australian player Ian Chappell appreciated the Indian selectors for appointing pace bowler Jasprit Bumrah to lead the side in the fifth Test against England in Birmingham. Bumrah became the 36th Test captain of India after Rohit Sharma was ruled out from the rescheduled Test match in Birmingham as the Indian skipper tested positive for COVID-19  and went under isolation.

Bumrah has been a revelation as a leader at a time when the Indian team looks for Rohit Sharma’s successor down the line. Bumrah showed a rare batting cameo at No.10, smashing 29 runs off Stuart Broad in a single over to own the world record to his name. Bumrah broke the joint-highest record of most runs in an over, held by Brian Lara and George Bailey (28).

This is a courageous appointment: Ian Chappell on Jasprit Bumrah named stand-in skipper vs England

Bumrah was as aggressive with the ball as anyone in the first innings, toppling England’s top three batters to script a mini-collapse in the hosts’ den. Bumrah was on the song even during India’s deflated second and third session on Day 5. As England openers, Alex Lees and Zak Crawley were cruising with the 107-run opening partnership in the pursuit of a humungous chase of 378, Bumrah provided the much-needed breakthrough for the visitors.

Bumrah cleaned up Crawley with a nip backer just before the tea break. On the other side of the break, the stand-in skipper got Ollie Pope to poke behind the wickets to bring India back in the game.

Chapell feels India emulated Australia and England by handing the captain’s armband to Bumrah.

“Perhaps looking to emulate the success of captains Pat Cummins and Stokes, India appointed fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah as captain for their current Test with England. This is a courageous appointment and speaks volumes for Bumrah’s on-field nous,” Chappell wrote in his column for ESPNcricinfo.

Ben Stokes’ leadership battle with Bumrah will be a fascinating sidelight: Ian Chappell

On the other hand, Ben Stokes, who took over the reins from his friend and long-time teammate Joe Root, has earned the plaudits for his aggressive leadership in alliance with Brendon McCullum. Stokes started his Test captaincy debut with a 3-0 whitewash against the current WTC holders New Zealand.

“His (Stokes) leadership battle with Bumrah will be a fascinating sidelight to what will be an entertaining game,” Chappell wrote during the ongoing India versus England Test match in Birmingham. “No one should be shocked by the success of Ben Stokes as captain. He’s an all-rounder who understands bowling.”

“On the field, his main priority is taking wickets, and despite Joe Root’s dazzling success as a batter, Stokes is the most inspirational England player on the field,” the former Australian captain further wrote. 

England looked in a great position after their experienced duo of Joe Root (76) and Jonny Bairstow (72) combined together to revive the innings. The pair was unseparated in their 150-run alliance that gave the hosts to chase their highest total in Test cricket. England are 119 runs shy of achieving the monumental feat with seven wickets in hand.

Also Read: Watch: Jasprit Bumrah Gets Crucial Breakthrough, Cleans Up Zak Crawley With A Stunning Delivery