Team India stand-in captain and premier paceman, Jasprit Bumrah marked his return to international cricket after 11 months in remarkable fashion. The right-arm fast bowler bagged two wickets in his first over against Ireland at The Village in Dublin on August 18 (Friday). Moreover, the seasoned pacer started his captaincy career in the shortest format of the game on a positive note as the Men in Blue secured a two-run victory against Paul Stirling's men in the opening game of the series.
Bumrah, who was awarded the Man of the Match award, reflected on his injury-laden spell and credited the National Cricket Academy (NCA) staff in Bengaluru for keeping him in high spirits.
"Felt very good, so many sessions I did at the NCA, didn't feel I missed out a lot or was doing something new. Credit to the staff, they kept me in good spirits. You are not thinking about yourself, you are thinking about others out there. Not really nervous but very happy," Bumrah said after the game, as quoted by Cricbuzz.
The conditions in Dublin on Friday were tailor-made for fast bowlers. The dark cloud cover and cold breeze offered enough purchase of pacers. The India pacers, led by Bumrah, started with a band and restricted Ireland to 31/5 after 6.3 overs. With their back against the wall, Ireland managed to post a respectable total on the board as Barry McCarthy scored an unbeaten 51 runs off 33 balls with the help of four fours and as many sixes.
"There was some swing upfront so we wanted to use it. Luckily we won the toss and it was coming out fine. There was some help due to the weather, so very happy. In every game, you would want more. After a crisis, they played well, credit where it is due," the Indian skipper said.
Chasing a target of 140 runs, India were 47/2 at the 6.5-over mark when play was called off due to relentless rain. As it turned out, the visitors were two runs ahead of the D/L par score. Despite the win, Bumrah knows that there is always room for improvement and in the remaining two games, India would look to put in a solid all-around display.
"Even when you win, there are areas to improve on. Everybody is very confident, they are very well prepared. I think the IPL also helps," Bumrah signed off.
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