Leeds – Jasprit Bumrah once again showcased why he’s considered one of the most formidable bowlers in world cricket, delivering a fiery opening spell that fulfilled Stuart Broad’s bold pre-match prediction. On Day 2 of the first India vs England Test at Headingley, Bumrah made an immediate impact by dismissing Zak Crawley in his very first over, setting the tone for a dominant Indian performance with the ball.
Before the day’s play began, England great Stuart Broad had issued a clear warning to viewers and critics alike:
“Don’t judge a pitch till Jasprit Bumrah has bowled on it,” he said on JioHotstar.
That prediction quickly proved prophetic.
🌧️ A Rain Delay, Then Bumrah’s Storm
After India posted a formidable 471—thanks to centuries from Yashasvi Jaiswal (101), Shubman Gill (147), and Rishabh Pant (134)—England’s innings got off to a shaky start. A light drizzle delayed play by about 40 minutes, but the overcast conditions only played further into Bumrah’s strengths.
Using the new ball with surgical precision, Bumrah probed outside Zak Crawley’s off stump, drawing him forward with deliveries that swung away before delivering a deceptive in-swinger that Crawley couldn’t read. The late movement caught the outside edge of a closed bat face, and Karun Nair at first slip made no mistake with a sharp catch.
⚡ Bumrah Continues the Onslaught
He nearly repeated the magic with Ollie Pope, whose thick outside edge flew through a vacant slip cordon for four. In the same over, Ben Duckett edged one just past Yashasvi Jaiswal’s diving attempt at slip—highlighting just how potent Bumrah was in the early going.
“Quite amazing. Bumrah has created two opportunities every over. He is the most valuable cricketer going around in world cricket across all formats,” said Dinesh Karthik on commentary.
Even Sanjay Manjrekar couldn’t hold back praise, reacting to Broad’s forecast:
“That’s quite a statement coming from Broad. This tells you the stature Bumrah has risen to in world cricket.”
🏏 India’s Strong Start with the Bat
India’s first-innings total of 471 came despite a brief batting collapse—they lost six wickets for 24 runs during the post-lunch session on Day 2. Still, the top order laid a solid platform. Had it not been for the middle-order stumble, India could easily have crossed 500.
The Indian camp, however, found solace in their bowling spearhead. With Jasprit Bumrah delivering on expectations—and predictions—India held the upper hand at the end of Day 2.