India's star pacer Jasprit Bumrah was on fire during Day 2 of the second Test, delivering an electrifying spell that propelled India into a dominant position. This crucial match between India and England is taking place at the Dr Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium on February 4.
Bumrah picked up a six-fer during the England innings to leave them in shambles. The 30-year-old's exploits saw England getting bowled out for just 253 runs after India scored 396 runs in their innings after a commendable performance from Yashasvi Jaiswal.
The Indian speedster bowler a jaw-dropping yorker to dismiss England's last match hero, Ollie Pope, which stole the spotlight on Day 2 of the Test match. Bumrah unleashed a fiercely accurate toe-crusher against the England vice-captain, causing him to stumble in his crease and ultimately shattering his stumps. Former India opener Aakash Chopra praised the Indian pacer and referred to him as 'Superman'.
“What we are watching in front of our eyes is peak performance from one of the greatest ever fast bowlers in the history of the game. Bumrah was fantastic. He picked 6 wickets on a flat wicket, made Joe Root his bunny, cleaned up the tail and bowled the ball of 2024 to Ollie Pope. Bumrah also has the rare skill to reverse in both directions,” Chopra said on his YouTube channel ahead of the third day’s play.
The 46-year-old Chopra praised Bumrah once more at the end of Day 2, highlighting his exceptional performance against England's captain, Ben Stokes, during the final session on February 3. Bumrah outwitted Ben Stokes with an off-cutter, sending the England skipper's off-stump cartwheeling. After his dismissal by Bumrah, Stokes dropped his bat and raised his arms in disbelief.
Bumrah tricked Stokes with an off-cutter
Chopra also lauded Bumrah at the end of Day 2 as well and pointed out his brilliance against England skipper Stokes in the final session on February 3. Bumrah deceived Ben Stokes with an off-cutter which thrashed the off-stump of the England captain. The 32-year-old Stokes dropped his bat and raised his arms in disbelief after being dismissed to Bumrah.
“Jasprit Bumrah did an amazing job. Ben Stokes’ expression was as though Jasprit Bumrah had cheated when he got out. It was as though he didn’t see the ball after it pitched and it went straight and hit his stumps – ‘I don’t want to keep this bat, keep it with you’. That was something incredible,” Chopra had said.
England got off to a promising start, scoring at a rapid run rate with their openers building a solid 59-run partnership. However, their batting faltered as the day progressed. India currently hold the lead after the first innings. Despite losing their openers early to James Anderson in the second innings, India's middle order has stabilised the innings to some extent. If India manage to secure a lead of 300-350 runs in the second innings, it will be challenging for England to chase such a total on the fourth or fifth day on a Vizag pitch that favours spinners.
England emerged victorious in the first Test in Hyderabad, defeating India by 28 runs. Now, in Vizag, the hosts are aiming to bounce back. India have maintained an impressive record in Test series at home since 2012, with their last defeat being against England under the leadership of Sir Alastair Cook. They have won 16 consecutive home Test series since then and are striving to extend this streak by overcoming England in the ongoing five-match Test series.
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