New Delhi: India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah is looking forward to the team’s upcoming tour of England, expressing his excitement about bowling in the challenging conditions the country offers. Speaking to former Australian captain Michael Clarke on the Beyond23 Cricket Podcast, Bumrah shared his thoughts on the unique dynamics of English cricket and the Duke ball.
“Playing in England is always a different challenge,” Bumrah said. “I always enjoy bowling with the Duke ball, though I’m not entirely sure how much it’s swinging these days. There have been so many changes to the ball. The weather and the swinging conditions are always tricky, and once the ball softens, that brings its own set of challenges.”
Bumrah also touched on England’s aggressive brand of cricket under the ‘Bazball’ philosophy. “It’s an interesting style, but honestly, I don’t fully understand it yet,” he admitted. “As a bowling unit, we’re confident. When batters are ultra-aggressive, there’s always an opportunity for someone to break through and take wickets.”
The 2024 season has been a milestone year for Bumrah. He was named the ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year and Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year, acknowledging his extraordinary performances across formats. During the 2024 T20 World Cup in the Americas, Bumrah played a key role in India’s title win, picking up 11 wickets. His red-ball dominance was also on display, with 71 wickets in just 13 Tests over the year.
However, the intense workload eventually took a toll. On India’s tour of Australia, Bumrah led from the front, taking 32 wickets in five Tests. But by the final Test in Sydney, his body gave in. “Enough for now, I am not able to push any further,” he was caught saying on the stump mic during the fourth Test after bowling a grueling 53.2 overs—his most ever in a match. A back injury forced him to miss the fifth Test and sidelined him for nearly three months.
Between January and April, Bumrah focused entirely on rehabilitation. Though India went on to win the Champions Trophy in his absence, the fast bowler took his time to return to full fitness.
Once cleared, he returned to the IPL with the Mumbai Indians, missing the early games but quickly making his presence felt. Since his comeback, Bumrah has climbed the wicket-takers’ list and looks in peak form heading into the England series.
With renewed fitness and trademark fire, Bumrah is ready for the next big challenge—swinging conditions, Duke balls, and the ever-unpredictable English summer.
