Team India’s pace spearhead Jasprit bumrah unleashed a fiery spell on Day 2 of the Headingley Testonce again underlining why he’s considered one of the best in world cricket. As England responded to India’s imposing first-innings total of 471, it was Bumrah who stood tall among the Indian bowlers, claiming all three wickets to fall on the day. His effort helped slow England’s charge and keep the visitors in the hunt, as the hosts ended the day at 209/3, still trailing by 262 runs.

However, the story could have been significantly different had India backed their premier fast bowler in the field. Bumrah’s figures of 3/25 could’ve been even more impactful had three crucial catches not gone down—all off his bowling.

Dropped catches outshines Jasprit Bumrah’s bowling efforts

India’s fielding left much to be desired on a day dominated by missed chances. In the fifth over of the innings, Bumrah found Ben Duckett’s edge, only for Yashasvi jaiswal to spill a sharp chance in the gully. The left-handed opener was given another life just two overs later when Ravindra Jadaja dropped a relatively straightforward chance at backward point—again off Bumrah’s bowling.

The most costly miss, however, came when Ollie Popebatting on 60, edged one to Jaiswal, who dropped his second catch of the day. Pope went on to score an unbeaten century, punishing India for their lapses in the field. Despite the dropped chances, Bumrah remained relentless, eventually dismissing Duckett for 62 with a beauty that cut back in.

Ben Duckett opens up on England’s approach to handling Bumrah

After stumps, Duckett spoke about England’s tactical approach while facing Bumrah’s relentless spell. He stressed the importance of clear communication and mental support between him and Pope, particularly when facing bowlers of Bumrah’s caliber.

‘Me and Pope spoke a lot to really keep each other going as a partnership. I think it’s about finding that balance and being positive. When you’ve got someone bowling as well as Bumrah is, you have to find ways to score at the other end and keep the pressure on them,” Duckett said, as quoted by India Today.

Duckett also shed light on the pressure created from the other end, particularly by pacer Mohammad Siraj. While Bumrah was undoubtedly the biggest threat, Siraj’s spell from the opposite end kept the pressure high, forcing England’s batters to remain vigilant throughout.

“Siraj bowled a tough spell down the hill after Bumrah — one that I played and missed quite a few times. That’s Test cricket for you, there are no easy let-offs. The goal was to stay positive against whoever was bowling from the other end,” Duckett added.

As the match heads into Day 3, the onus will once again be on Bumrah to break England’s growing partnership and push for a lead. But unless the rest of India’s bowlers step up and the fielders hold on to their chances, Bumrah’s brilliance may not be enough on its own. For now, the Headingley Test hangs in the balance—with England still trailing, but very much in the game.