Follow UsIndia’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah hasn’t been at his best in the ongoing five-Test series against England. The 31-year-old has claimed 12 wickets at an average of 25.5, including two five-fers, but these numbers don’t tell the entire story.
Bumrah has been largely ineffective in his early spells. In his first three spells across five innings, he has taken just three wickets at an average of 67.66. His first spell alone - 27 overs for one wicket @ 91 - shows just how little impact he’s had with the new ball.
It is only in his later spells that Bumrah has looked like the match-winner India always rely on. After his third spell, he has taken nine wickets at just 11.44.
Bumrah’s spell-wise average in the series
1st spell – 91*
2nd spell – 62
3rd spell – 50
4th spell – 15
5th spell – 12
6th spell – 7.30
The split is even more telling when comparing top-order versus tailenders. Against England’s top-7 batters, Bumrah averages 43.8. Against the tail (Nos. 8-11), he has picked 6 wickets at an average of 7.2.
India needed a strong start after posting 358 in their first innings of the must-win fourth Test at Old Trafford. Instead, Bumrah leaked 22 runs in five overs during his first spell and failed to trouble Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett, who went on to put a 166-run opening stand.
Even on Day 3, Bumrah bowled five wicketless overs in the morning session, conceding 17 runs. Ironically, the only Test India have won in the series so far is the one Bumrah didn’t play. With the series on the line, India need more from their strike bowler, especially up front.