Despite multiple lapses in the slip cordon, Jasprit Bumrah surged through England’s middle and lower order on Day 3 of the Leeds Test to register his 14th five-wicket haul in Test cricket. His spell of 5 for 83 not only halted England’s resistance but also handed India a slender six-run first innings lead, closing a tense chapter that had once tilted in favor of the hosts.
England had mounted a brisk counterattack post-lunch, riding on Chris Woakes and Brydon Carse’s dogged partnership. But with wickets hard to come by and momentum slipping, Bumrah returned for a decisive burst, dismantling the tail with precision. Notably, he achieved this despite at least three clear dropped chances—each one robbing him of an even richer reward.
Read also: Watch: Jadeja Sudharsan Team Up for Brilliant Catch to Remove Jamie Smith
Legends weigh in: “Utterly outstanding, champion”
The cricketing fraternity responded with resounding praise. Sunil Gavaskar, speaking on broadcast, noted,
“He's been sensational. If not for those drop catches, he might have had even seven or eight wickets to show against his efforts. He's been the difference when he's had the ball in his hand.”
Gavaskar added,
“In the modern era, without a question he's the greatest, he's the best, no question. Because it's not just the new ball, it's with the old ball also, he picks wickets... he's got that slower yorker, he's got that bouncer.”
Former England captain Michael Vaughan echoed similar admiration.
“Every time Jasprit Bumrah had the ball in his hand, you just knew as an England side, they were just trying to survive... he bowls balls that you can't really prepare for.”
Vaughan also advised India to capitalise whenever Bumrah is fit to play, given the hints from coach Gautam Gambhir about workload rotation.
“If you play him 3 of the 5 games, I would say they're probably gonna have to win those 3 games.”
Mark Butcher hailed Bumrah’s effort as
“Utterly outstanding. Irresistible fast bowling. He is an absolute champion.”
Stuart Broad, meanwhile, remarked,
“Bumrah has moved the ball more than anyone else, brought drama, bowled jaffas... but you do wonder whether he should have been brought into the attack earlier on.”
With this fifer, Bumrah also surpassed Wasim Akram to become the highest Asian wicket-taker (150 wickets) in SENA countries—a landmark that further cements his elite stature.
