Aoba Tanaka 
As India gears up for the first of five Tests against England in Hyderabad starting January 25, Jasprit Bumrah, the seasoned pace spearhead, affirms that Test cricket remains his ultimate barometer of success. The 32-Test veteran, most experienced among India’s pace lineup, expresses his unwavering commitment to the longer format.
Bumrah, in an exclusive interview with The Guardian, emphasizes his roots in Test cricket, despite starting his career with the IPL. “I am of that generation where Test cricket is king,” he asserts. “I will always judge myself on it. In Test cricket, you have to get the batsman out, and that challenges you as a bowler.”
Returning from a stress fracture that sidelined him for over a year, Bumrah showcased his prowess in the recent series against South Africa, securing 12 wickets, including a match-winning 6 for 61 in Cape Town. The upcoming series against England marks only his fifth home Test, presenting a unique challenge for the speedster.
On potentially spin-friendly surfaces, Bumrah acknowledges the limited assistance he might receive. Undeterred, he expresses readiness to embrace the challenge, stating, “T20s, ODIs, some days you might send down five slower balls and get five guys out, when in a Test match they wouldn’t have taken one. There is no luck in Test cricket, the better team wins, you cannot take 20 wickets through luck.”
Reflecting on England’s aggressive approach to Test batting, known as ‘Bazball,’ Bumrah, who faced it in July 2022, remains unswayed. He notes that while he doesn’t personally relate to the term, he sees it as an exciting strategy that keeps bowlers like him constantly in the game.
“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,” says Bumrah. “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.”
With memories of England’s aggressive batting still fresh, Bumrah remains unfazed, ready to lead India’s pace attack and make his mark in a series that promises thrilling cricket action.
