IND v ENG 2024: Ben Stokes urges his batters to find their own methods to counter ‘unbelievable’ Jasprit Bumrah

Bumrah has claimed 15 wickets in the first two Tests so far.

By Salman Anjum - 14 Feb, 2024

India’s ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah made the England batters dance to his tunes in the second Test of the five-match series at Visakhapatnam.

The right-arm quick returned with the match figures of 9/91 as the hosts defeated the visitors by 106 runs to level the series 1-1.

In the two Tests so far, Bumrah has claimed 15 wickets and his extraordinary skills unsettled even the most accomplished English batters like Joe Root.

Speaking ahead of the third Test in Rajkot, England skipper Ben Stokes acknowledged Jasprit Bumrah’s threat, urging his batters to find their own methods to counter the newly-crowned world No.1 Test bowler.

"No not really," Stokes said in a press conference on Wednesday (February 14) when asked if there's any plans in place for Bumrah.

"Jasprit Bumrah is an unbelievable bowler. He's proven that for a very long time and has performed really well in the two games. I think everyone has got their own way of trying to deal with Bumrah but we do have to score runs off him as well and that's what we'll try to do. But when that doesn't work you just have to give credit to the bowler and Jasprit's been outstanding the first two games,” he added.

"We've all got our own processes against every single bowler and there's no team way of playing anyone. But as we always try to do we'll be trying to keep the focus around us," he further stated.

The Rajkot Test against India, starting on February 15, will mark Stokes’ 100th appearance in the longest format of the game.

There will be much fanfare from the Barmy Army and a host of presentations are in line for the England captain in his landmark game. However, Stokes wants all that done quickly so that everyone’s focus shifts to the game.

"I'm looking forward to getting the presentation done and dusted, then everything can be on the cricket," he said. "I'm proud to say that I've been able to play a part in 100 Tests, because it's quite a lot - it's a lot of warm-ups. It's one more game and hopefully there's a lot more to come.

"There have been some great times in an England shirt and some not so great times. That is what's great about professional sport. I've been able to make sure every day is a learning day, whether it be good or bad. Later down the line, when I'm a bit older and maybe not playing, is when I'll have more of a chance to reflect on everything I've done on the field."

Over the years, Ben Stokes has emerged as one of England’s greatest-ever match winners. The ace all-rounder has also established himself as a fine leader lately.

Under his captaincy, the Three Lions have adopted an aggressive approach in the traditional format of the game, also known as Bazball.

When asked to pick his favourite Test match, Stokes replied: "There have been a couple, but I judge performances on the outcome of the game. Cape Town in 2019 (it was 2020) is one of my favourites. Day five, going to the last hour of the game and I had a good game as an all-rounder. I took some catches, scored some runs, took some wickets and we ended up winning. That is what I judge my personal performance on, having an influence on us winning the game."

"We have an unbelievable fanbase wherever we go in the world. We appreciate them so much. You can feel that because of how appreciative we are of the people who watch and support us. Even through all the bad times as well. You can have some sort of reference point to that."

The India-England Test series is evenly poised at 1-1 and Stokes feels it's a "fair reflection" of the cricket both sides have played so far.

"It could be too hot, some might say. 1-1 is a fair reflection of the cricket that has been played in the first two games. The focus is on this game and then everything after that. If we play anywhere near to our capability, we'll give ourselves a good chance of winning. If we do play good cricket, then the results looks after themselves."

(With Cricbuzz inputs)

By Salman Anjum - 14 Feb, 2024

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