‘It triggered the whole team’ - Jasprit Bumrah narrates infamous saga with James Anderson in 2021

Jasprit Bumrah’s ultra-aggression against James Anderson at Lord’s in 2021 was one of the highlights of the Test series. With just one wicket remaining, Bumrah bowled a barrage of bouncers, hitting the veteran cricketer in the ribcage, helmet and also on his left hand. The pacer also bowled a ten-ball over, courtesy of four no-balls, which further troubled Anderson as he failed to open his tally. 

Speaking about the entire saga, Bumrah revealed that he went up on Anderson in the mid-over to ask if the 41-year-old was fine but he didn’t get a good response in return. The Ahmedabad-born cricketer added that it brought back some memories of the past as it also infuriated the entire team.

“I was tired, I thought the last wicket was there, I tried to push to bowl fast. I went up to him (mid-over), asked ‘Are you OK?’ and didn’t get a good response. So that brought back some young memories; trying to be the nice guy and it not being taken well. And it triggered the whole team. It was red mist but it was channelled. Fighting and playing is second nature to us; controlling that is self-taught,” Bumrah told The Guardian.

Bumrah opens up on potential captain role

Pacer Jasprit Bumrah has been named the vice-captain for the upcoming five-match series against England. He has led India in the rescheduled fifth Test against the Three Lions in July 2022 and given the opportunity, he would love to do it again. The pacer recalled leading the national team at Edgbaston and stated that it was ‘the utmost honour’.

“I did one game and it was the utmost honour. Playing Test cricket is great, captaining was even better. Yes, we lost but we were ahead in the match and I loved the responsibility. Sometimes as a fast bowler you go down to fine leg and switch off but I loved being involved in every decision, right in the thick of things. And given the opportunity, of course, who wouldn’t?” Bumrah said.