Now this is a very controversial statement
In the recently concluded third Test between India and England at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground, Jasprit Bumrah emerged as India’s standout performer. The match, held from July 10 to 14, saw Bumrah display his exceptional bowling skills as he claimed five wickets for 74 runs in the first innings. He returned in the second innings to dismiss two more English batters, reinforcing his position as the backbone of India’s pace attack.
However, it wasn’t just his bowling that caught everyone’s attention. On the final day of the match, Bumrah's resilience with the bat became a talking point. Walking in at No. 10 during the second session on July 14, he faced 54 deliveries and scored just five runs. Despite the low score, his nearly two-hour-long stay at the crease was crucial. Bumrah partnered with Ravindra Jadeja, who remained unbeaten on 61 from 181 balls, and together they stitched a vital 35-run stand for the ninth wicket that lasted 22 overs. Their determined partnership gave India a fighting chance and stalled England’s push for victory.
While fans lauded Bumrah’s defiance, a more controversial
subplot emerged in the aftermath of the match. Former Indian cricketer Mohammad
Kaif made a startling revelation on his YouTube channel. Kaif claimed that
England’s captain Ben Stokes, along with speedster Jofra Archer, allegedly
hatched a plan to physically hurt Bumrah after failing to dismiss him.
According to Kaif, the English bowlers deliberately unleashed a barrage of
short-pitched deliveries with the intent to strike Bumrah and potentially
injure him before the crucial fourth Test in Manchester.
Kaif suggested that such strategies stem from frustration when lower-order batters like Bumrah hold fort under pressure. He elaborated that Stokes and Archer seemingly believed that if Bumrah couldn’t be removed cleanly, they might at least succeed in inflicting an injury that could sideline India’s top bowler. As Kaif put it, the plan was to bowl relentless bouncers targeting Bumrah’s finger or shoulder, which eventually led to his dismissal.
This claim has sparked discussions among cricket enthusiasts and analysts, with many debating the ethical line between aggressive tactics and unsportsmanlike conduct. Regardless, Bumrah’s performance—both with the ball and the bat—was a testament to his growing stature as a complete cricketer and a key figure in India’s Test lineup.
Do you agree with Mohammad Kaif?
Tags: Jasprit Bumrah, Ben Stokes, Jofra Archer, Mohammad Kaif, Lord’s test
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