Jasprit Bumrah’s start to his Test career has been as sensational as it gets with the India pacer going on to bag five-wicket hauls in his maiden tours of South Africa, England, Australia and the West Indies since making his debut last year.
All 12 of the 25-year-old’s Test appearances so far have come on overseas soil and he has claimed a total of 62 wickets in the process at a staggering average of just 19.24.
After making waves overseas, Bumrah is all set to play his first Test on home soil after being named in the India squad for the upcoming three-match series against South Africa. While fast bowlers have traditionally struggled in Indian subcontinent conditions, Bumrah is confident that he can replicate his overseas displays at home.
“I just didn’t want to be a cricketer who played one-day and T20,” Bumrah was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.
“So, the journey has been good. It’s just started, hopefully a long way to go. I’m learning from the experience that I’ve gained by playing in South Africa, England, Australia and the West Indies.
“India will be a different challenge, which I’m looking forward to.”
Jasprit Bumrah’s sensational rise in Test cricket continues.
Bumrah is now the first Asian bowler to claim five-wicket hauls in South Africa, England, Australia and West Indies while he also recently became the second Indian bowler to claim a Test hat-trick.
It might be difficult for the pacer to replicate the same success in India but he is taking confidence from the 38 first-class matches he has played for Gujarat over the course of his career.
“I have played all my life in Ranji Trophy cricket in India. These are not alien conditions for me,” Bumrah said.
“For me, a lot of preparation goes in before any match or tournament. I assess the conditions, we will discuss with the team management and the senior players, who have played a lot of cricket over here, as to what works, what doesn’t work, so will take everything into consideration and see how it goes.
“All these things I listen to, and filter them, and figure out what I can do and cannot. I try to asses all this and make my plans.”
The pacer has been rested for the T20 series against South Africa which begins on Sunday at Dharamsala. The three-match Test series between the two sides will begin on October 2 at Visakhapatnam.
