Home
England Test captain Ben Stokes has said that his team doesn't fear India's pace-bowling spearhead Jasprit Bumrah. While Bumrah may not play all five Tests in the series, Stokes said that one bowler will not win the series for the either side. Ahead of the Headingley Test, Stokes acknowledged Bumrah's class but said that a total team effort is needed to end up on the winning side.
“No fear. In international cricket, you come up against quality opposition all the time. We know his class and what he brings to any team he plays for, but in terms of fear, definitely not," Stokes told the reporters in Headingley on June 18.
“I don’t think one bowler alone is going to win the series for either team. All 11 [players] have to stand up. I don’t think there is just one person in either team holding the key to success,” he added.
Bumrah's numbers against England and his availability
Bumrah has a good Test record in England. He has 37 wickets from nine Tests at an average of 26.27, including two five-wicket hauls. Overall, He has played 14 Tests against England and claimed 60 wickets at an average of 22.16, featuring three fifers.
Bumrah, in a recent interview with Dinesh Karthik, revealed that he is looking to play three Tests on England tour. However, it is not set in stone and will depend on his workload and how his body reacts.
"[We will] plan on the go. Three Test matches is what I'm looking at. Obviously that number is not decided. First [Test] is definitely on, that is going to happen. The rest we'll see how things are, what is the workload, what are the scenarios going on. Three Test matches is what I can manage at this moment. And I don't want to be in a desperate scenario," Bumrah told Karthik on Sky Sports.
ALSO READ: Ignored for Test series against England, Mukesh Kumar shares cryptic 'Karma is unforgiving' post
Pope over Bethell
Meanwhile, England have already announced their playing XI for the series opener. Young Jacob Bethell did not find a place. Ollie Pope who has struggled against Bumrah was given a chance. Pope was rewarded for his 170-run knock against Zimbabwe in the one-off Test.
England's Playing XI vs India
Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jamie Smith (wk), Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue, Shoaib Bashir.
ADVERTISEMENT
