IND vs ENG: Ollie Pope Recalls the Fear of Facing Jasprit Bumrah’s Toe-Crushing Yorker
In the high-stakes world of Test cricket, few bowlers strike fear into the hearts of batsmen like India’s Jasprit Bumrah. With his unorthodox action, deceptive pace, and unrelenting accuracy, Bumrah has redefined fast bowling. England’s vice-captain Ollie Pope recently shared a chilling memory of facing Bumrah’s toe-crushing yorker during the Visakhapatnam Test in 2024, a moment that left an indelible mark on him—and the stumps.
That iconic image from the second Test of the series—a rattled Pope, off balance, desperately trying to dig out a ferocious delivery while a solitary stump remained standing—encapsulated Bumrah’s sheer dominance. It wasn’t just a delivery; it was a statement. Bumrah, with his ability to swing the ball both ways, deliver lethal bouncers, and nail pinpoint yorkers, dismantled England’s middle order in that match, finishing with figures of 6/45, including the prized scalps of Pope and Ben Stokes.
In a candid chat with TalkSport Cricket, Pope didn’t shy away from admitting the daunting challenge of facing one of the world’s best. “It’s a proper test,” he said. “I’ve faced him across three different series now, and every time, you’re racking your brain for ways to counter him. How do you put a bowler like Bumrah under pressure?” Pope’s honesty reflected the respect Bumrah commands—his career Test wickets tally of 159 in 37 matches at an average of 20.69 (as of October 2024) speaks volumes.
When pressed on whether survival is the only option against Bumrah’s fiery spells, Pope offered a glimpse into England’s ‘Bazball’ mindset. “He can bowl 20 overs in a day, which is grueling. So, it’s not just about survival. We talk about absorbing pressure when needed, but also flipping it back on him subtly. That doesn’t mean swinging wildly for boundaries—it could be as simple as rotating the strike.” Pope emphasized the importance of not letting Bumrah settle into a rhythm. “If he’s bowling a good spell, my thought is, ‘How do I get off strike?’ My partner’s thinking the same. You don’t want him getting six balls at you consecutively—he’s got too many tricks up his sleeve. He’s arguably the best in the world right now.”
Pope’s words echo a broader sentiment within the England camp. Former pacer Stuart Broad, speaking on a podcast with Jos Buttler, hinted that the outcome of the ongoing five-match Test series could hinge on Bumrah’s fitness. “If I’m honest, we’d rather he didn’t play all five Tests,” Broad quipped, acknowledging the bowler’s workload concerns. Bumrah, who has a history of back injuries, has indicated a target of playing at least three Tests in the series, though India’s team management will monitor him closely given his importance as both captain and strike bowler.
As the cricketing world gears up for the first Test on June 20, 2025, at Headingley, Leeds, all eyes will be on this battle within the battle—Bumrah’s guile against England’s aggressive batting line-up. With Bumrah having taken 32 wickets in 7 Tests against England at an average of 22.44, the hosts know they’re up against a force of nature. For Ollie Pope, it’s not just about survival; it’s about finding a way to decode the enigma that is Jasprit Bumrah. One thing is certain—this IND vs ENG series promises to be a blockbuster, with Bumrah’s fiery spells likely to define the narrative.