Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah is optimistic about having ample opportunities to secure wickets if England opt for ‘Bazball’ during the upcoming five-match India vs England Test series commencing on January 25 (Thursday). Bumrah elaborated that the aggressive style of cricket would keep him in the game, as batters are more susceptible to making mistakes when attempting to score quickly. Although he doesn’t personally identify with ‘Bazball’, Bumrah acknowledged that it has presented an alternative approach to playing Test cricket.

Bumrah made a significant impact during the two Tests of India’s recent tour to South Africa, claiming 12 wickets. Notably, his exceptional performance in Cape Town, where he took 6 for 61, played a pivotal role in India levelling the series at 1-1. Jasprit Bumrah, while not personally connecting with the term ‘Bazball,’ acknowledges its success in cricket. In an interview with The Guardian, he stated that England’s aggressive approach demonstrates an alternative way to play Test cricket.

“I don’t really relate to the term Bazball. But they are playing successful cricket and the aggressive route of taking the opposition on, showing the world there’s another way to play Test cricket,” Bumrah told The Guardian.

‘Kudos to them but, as a bowler, you’re in the game’

From a bowler’s perspective, Bumrah sees the aggressive style of play, such as in ‘Bazball,’ as beneficial for him. The fast-paced approach by the batsmen doesn’t wear him out, presenting the opportunity to take numerous wickets. Bumrah emphasises his focus on using such situations to his advantage. Acknowledging the challenges posed by the aggressive batting he thinks, as a bowler, he remains actively involved in the game.

“As a bowler, what I think is that it keeps me in play. And if they’re going for it, playing so fast, they won’t tire me out, I could get heaps [of wickets]. I always think about how I can use things to my advantage. Kudos to them but, as a bowler, you’re in the game.”

The 1st Test of the IND vs ENG series is set to start on Thursday at Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, with the first ball scheduled to be bowled at 9:30 PM IST.