Jasprit Bumrah put up an exhibition of fast bowling on a seemingly flat Vizag pitch on Saturday, following Yashasvi Jaiswal’s breakthrough double hundred, that led to England being bowled out for 253 in their first innings, putting India in a commanding position at Stumps on Day 2 of the second Test.
India, starting the day at 336 for six, ended up getting a total of 396 in their first innings.
Jaiswal’s remarkable innings of 209 off 290 deliveries was a standout performance in an otherwise challenging batting display.
In response, England succumbed to Bumrah’s prowess in the final session, lasting only 55.5 overs and conceding a 143-run first-innings lead to the hosts.
India openers, Rohit Sharma (13) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (15), needed to face five overs before the end of play and took their team to 28 for no loss in the second innings. It gives India an overall lead of 171 runs, with three full days left to play.
Zak Crawley’s aggressive start for England (76 off 78) was curtailed by Bumrah, who achieved his 10th five-wicket haul with figures of 6 for 45 in 15.5 overs, marking his best performance in India. Bumrah also reached the milestone of 150 wickets, becoming the second-fastest Asian fast bowler after Pakistan’s Waqar Younis.
Bumrah’s key wickets included Joe Root (5), Ollie Pope (23), Jonny Bairstow (25) and Ben Stokes (47), all victims of Bumrah’s exceptional bowling, especially the yorker that castled Pope.
Kuldeep Yadav, playing his first match of the series, provided support with three wickets.
Despite India’s advantage, batting well on day three is imperative, considering England’s resilient batting lineup. The pitch is showing signs of deterioration, with occasional low bounce or extra bounce.
Bumrah’s impactful spells, particularly against Root and Pope, played a crucial role in halting England’s momentum.(IANS)
