India’s premier fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah has played just two of his 27 Test matches at home, and that too only a year ago, when he played in the two-match series against England in February 2021. Of his 113 wickets, just four have been taken on home soil. Therefore, some may feel that as he has played a majority of his Test matches overseas, he may find it difficult to perform with the same level of success at home.
Bumrah is far from ruffled about having played just a couple of Test matches at home, saying: “Playing in home series is no different. These conditions are not alien to me. I have played a lot of Ranji Trophy matches and the best feeling is to play Test cricket, be it at home or abroad. Therefore, I am totally geared up for the Test series. I have been going through the riggers in the nets. I feel fit and mentally prepared to don the whites once again and lead the bowling attack, ” the Indian vice-captain said in a virtual media interaction.
Despite playing a lot of white-ball cricket, Bumrah felt confident when bowling with the red-ball in Test matches. “Of course, there are tactical adjustments to be made, as we use fewer variations and have to bowl long spells. At the end of the day, we have to replicate what we do in the training sessions be it Test cricket or any other format. At the end of the day, one has to use the skills and experience and use the conditions well to emerge on the top.”
On playing Test matches in an empty stadium, Bumrah said: “We can only focus on what we can control. The crowds are surely good for the energy, but that is something we can’t control. We don’t have any power regarding that and we don’t decide the rules. We are only focusing on what we can control. Even if the crowds are not there, we see to it that we keep up the energy levels.”
He had an update on R Ashwin, who was selected in the team subject to his fitness. The off-spinner was ruled out of the limited-overs series against West Indies due to an injury. “Ashwin is shaping up well, he looked good in the nets. He looked comfortable while batting, bowling and fielding during the optional training session today. Ashwin has always given his best and I am sure he will continue to do so,” Bumrah said.
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