In the first over of the third Test of the ongoing five-match series between England and India, Jasprit Bumrah was heard commenting on the ball’s lack of carry and softness to Rishabh Pant. Bumrah’s comments came after the fourth delivery in the opening over.
The ball bowled to Ben Duckett was an outswinger, which the left-handed hitter mistook for an inswinger. After pitching on the leg stump, the ball nipped away, forcing Duckett to edge it to the outside. Despite Pant’s dive, he managed to get to the ball with a half-volley.
Jasprit Bumrah then gave his thoughts on the Dukes ball and the Lord’s deck, which appeared to be slow-paced.
The ball before the fourth had not been properly carried to Pant either. It will be interesting to see how the pitch plays out for the rest of the game.
His exact words to wicketkeeper Pant were: “Thoda aage reh. “Stand a little ahead, the ball isn’t carrying any further, and it’s soft.”
Speaking about the two teams, both India and England made changes to their respective playing combinations. Prasidh Krishna and Josh Tongue were draughted out to make room for Bumrah and Jofra Archer. This is Archer’s first Test appearance in a little over four years, and he returns after missing the Birmingham match.
The series is now tied at one apiece. The Three Lions won the first match by five wickets, chasing down a massive 371-run mark in the fourth innings at Headingley. The Shubman Gill-led team returned with a bang, winning the second match at Edgbaston by a massive 336 runs in an unbelievable run-fest.
Both teams will be hoping to provide game-changing performances at the Home of Cricket. Their key goal would be to bat significantly better than they did in the second innings of the second Test. India’s key goal would be to maintain their momentum and cross the finish line to take a critical series lead.
For the unversed, there were several complaints made to the on-field umpires in relation to the shape and deteriorating nature of the Dukes ball by both England and India during their respective on the field. Gill even came out in the public to air his displeasure.
India
