During the afternoon session of the fifth Test at Dharamsala on Saturday, India’s stand-in skipper Jasprit Bumrah stepped into the attack to add to England’s agony.
Jasprit Bumrah’s excellent opening stint on Day 1 of the Test did not result in a wicket, and many believed he was unfortunate. However, the star speedster received his due on Day 3 as he caught both Tom Hartley and Mark Wood in front, bringing England closer to another crushing loss.
Hartley attempted to defend a ball from Bumrah from around the wicket. However, the ball just pitched and straightened enough to strike his rear leg. Hartley didn’t bother reviewing it because it was so obvious in front of him.
Jasprit Bumrah then delivered a massive, booming inswinger that struck Wood’s front shoe. The on-field umpire ruled the hitter out, and the only thing that could rescue him on the review was if the ball tailed a little too far. That was not the case, as replays revealed three red cards, forcing Wood to return to the pavilion.
Here’s the footage of Bumrah’s double strike:
Jasprit Bumrah has also been guiding the squad on the field because skipper Rohit Sharma has a tight back. His two wickets demonstrated how effective his bowling adjustments had been on Day 3.
Joe Root fights lone battle as England crumble
There has been much discussion about how England’s great batsman Joe Root should bat in Indian conditions and if the Bazball doctrine was appropriate for his approach. However, since his stunning hundred in Ranchi, Root has demonstrated that he is most effective when he is confident in his defense.
As England’s wickets fall on Day 3 in Dharamsala, Root continues to hold one end and score at his own pace. The visitors will be hoping Joe Root scores a hundred as a consolation for what has been yet another dismal group batting performance.
