Jasprit Bumrah Affirms Test Cricket’s Supremacy in Modern Cricket Era

Jasprit Bumrah, India’s premier fast-bowler, asserts the enduring supremacy of Test cricket for his generation, emphasizing its role in skill development. Despite challenges in the cricketing calendar, Bumrah believes Test cricket will remain the ultimate challenge.

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In a cricketing era dominated by T20s and ODIs, India’s star fast-bowler, Jasprit Bumrah, has emphatically asserted the supremacy of Test cricket for his generation of players. He credits the red-ball format for shaping his skills and the art of taking wickets, underscoring its enduring value even as the format grapples with challenges in a congested cricketing calendar.

Test Cricket: The Ultimate Challenge

“I am of that generation where Test cricket is king. I will always judge myself on it. Yes, I started with IPL but I learned to bowl through first-class cricket; that’s where I developed my skill, the art of taking wickets. In Test cricket, you have to get the batsman out, and that challenges you as a bowler,” Bumrah affirmed in an interview with The Guardian. The fast-bowler highlighted the unique challenges posed by Test cricket, where each wicket requires skill and strategic prowess.

Contrasting Formats

Bumrah drew a sharp contrast between T20s and ODIs, where variations and unpredictability might lead to quick wickets and the methodical nature of Test cricket. “T20s, ODIs, some days you might send down five slower balls and get five guys out when in a Test match they wouldn’t have taken one. There is no luck in Test cricket; the better team wins, you cannot take 20 wickets through luck,” he explained. Bumrah emphasized that he was never content with excelling only in white-ball cricket, with Test cricket retaining its preeminent status.

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Future Prospects of Test Cricket

Despite the challenges posed by the cricketing landscape, Bumrah expressed confidence in Test cricket’s resilience. “I don’t know how the youngsters look at it. But Test cricket has been around this long; it will find a way. Every format has its place – too much Test cricket would be boring, too much white ball the same. I think the sport needs a little bit of everything, rather than an overdose of one format or the other,” he stated.

Bumrah’s Perspective on “Bazball”

Addressing England’s aggressive approach known as “Bazball,” inspired by the Brendon McCullum-Ben Stokes regime, Bumrah revealed that he doesn’t directly relate to the term. However, he sees it as an advantage for bowlers. “As a bowler, what I think is that it keeps me in play. And if they’re going for it, playing so fast, they won’t tire me out, I could get heaps of wickets. I always think about how I can use things to my advantage. Kudos to them but, as a bowler, you’re in the game,” he asserted.

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India’s Test Championship Aspirations

With India gearing up for a five-Test series against England, Bumrah sees the opportunity to climb to the top of the ICC World Test Championship standings. India, currently below Australia, aims to secure a series victory against England. Having lost only three Test matches at home in the past decade, India enters the series as favorites, with Bumrah’s experience and skill set poised to play a crucial role.