Birmingham: Team India bounced back in spectacular fashion to level the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series 1-1, thrashing England by 336 runs at Edgbaston—India’s biggest overseas Test victory by runs. The all-round performance from the visitors has now raised anticipation ahead of the third Test at Lord’s, especially with the possible return of pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah.
While Indian fans are eagerly awaiting Bumrah’s comeback—he was rested for the second Test—England captain Ben Stokes appeared visibly irritated when repeatedly asked about the Indian pacer during the post-match press conference.
“I thought I’d get through a press conference without being asked about Jasprit Bumrah,” said a clearly frustrated Stokes, still reeling from the heavy loss.
Despite his curt opening, Stokes did go on to explain how the English team is preparing to face India’s potent bowling unit, including Bumrah.
“We play against each other so often, you know what you will be faced with, so you put it into practice in training. Try to do what you can with the coaches and the sidearms, going wide on the crease, trying to give you practice like their bowling lineup,” he said.
Stokes on Bumrah and India’s Threat
Stokes acknowledged the challenge that bowlers like Bumrah pose, even if players try to simulate them in the nets.
“It’s always tough to replicate something that will come down at you in a game,” he admitted.
Stokes also expressed his disappointment about the match result and conditions, suggesting the pitch on Day 5 offered assistance more typical of subcontinent tracks.
“Disappointed with the loss here as it would have been great to carry the momentum over from the first game, but we don’t find ourselves sitting here like that. We have to wipe this one under the carpet as quickly as we can because Lord’s Day One will be coming round pretty quickly,” he said.
With India’s bowling attack growing stronger each innings and their batting unit firing on all cylinders, the visitors look poised to make a strong push at Lord’s. England, on the other hand, will need to regroup quickly and find solutions to combat India’s aggressive pace unit.