IND vs ENG: Stuart Broad Labels Jasprit Bumrah ‘World’s Best’, Warns England of Tough 5-Test Battle
In a gripping build-up to the much-anticipated India-England Test series, former England pacer Stuart Broad has declared Indian speedster Jasprit Bumrah as the best bowler in the world. With the five-match series set to commence on June 20 at Headingley, Leeds, Broad believes that Bumrah’s fitness and form could be the deciding factor in determining the outcome of this high-stakes contest.
Speaking on his new podcast, For the Love of Cricket, alongside England white-ball captain Jos Buttler, Broad didn’t hold back in his praise for the Indian spearhead. ‘There’s no doubt in my mind that Bumrah is the best bowler in the world right now. His performances in Australia were exceptional, and he’s going to be incredibly dangerous in English conditions,’ Broad remarked, referencing Bumrah’s recent exploits Down Under where he claimed 21 wickets in 5 Tests at an average of just over 21 in the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Broad delved into what makes Bumrah a uniquely lethal bowler, drawing comparisons with Australian legend Glenn McGrath. He highlighted Bumrah’s deceptive run-up and balanced delivery stride, which make it nearly impossible for batters to predict the pace or trajectory of his deliveries. ‘His run-up is calm, with short strides. As a batter, you think it’s going to be 70 mph, but suddenly it’s hitting you at 90 mph. You can’t find a rhythm against him,’ Broad explained. He added, ‘Like McGrath, Bumrah is so balanced at the crease that he can manipulate the ball with just a flick of his wrist—whether it’s an in-swinger or an out-swinger, there are no obvious giveaways.’
The former England star also touched on Bumrah’s fiery competitive streak, recalling a heated moment from the recent series in Australia against young opener Sam Konstas. ‘He’s a calm character off the field, but on it, he’s got an incredible edge. There was a moment when he clashed with Konstas in the last over, dismissed Usman Khawaja, and just roared with passion. Every great fast bowler needs that fire, and Bumrah has it in abundance,’ Broad noted. This competitive spirit, according to Broad, was nurtured during the Virat Kohli era, where aggression and intensity became hallmarks of the Indian team.
Looking ahead to the Test series, Broad issued a stark warning to the England camp. ‘England will be hoping Bumrah doesn’t play all five Tests. If he does, he’s going to take a shedload of wickets. His ability to exploit English pitches with swing and seam movement, combined with his stamina, makes him a nightmare for any batting lineup,’ he cautioned. Historically, Bumrah has been a menace in England, with 23 wickets in 4 Tests at an average of 22.65 during India’s 2018 and 2021 tours.
As the series approaches, all eyes will be on how England’s batters, including the likes of Joe Root and Ben Stokes, cope with Bumrah’s wizardry. With conditions likely to favor pace bowling early in the English summer, and India boasting a formidable attack alongside Bumrah with names like Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj, Broad’s words ring with an unmistakable sense of urgency for the hosts. Can England devise a strategy to counter the Indian pace juggernaut, or will Bumrah once again prove to be the difference-maker? Only time will tell.