In cricket, the expression, “It takes 20 wickets to win Test matches,” emphasizes the significance of bowlers in the longest format. This principle was evident in a thrilling match at Lord’s between England and India, where the latter unfortunately lost despite both teams claiming 20 wickets.
Performance Highlights
One of the key disappointments for Shubman Gill’s team in the last session of the final day was that the Indian bowlers achieved the remarkable feat of taking 20 wickets, dismissing England for a mere 192 in the second innings. Yet, they fell short by 22 runs, leaving them trailing 1-2 in the series.
The bowling effort showcased a collective strength that exceeded individual contributions. Each of the six bowlers, including all-rounder Nitish Kumar, managed to take at least one wicket, successfully limiting England’s run-rate—usually above four runs per over in the current aggressive style—to 3.44 and 3.08 in their respective innings. The pitch’s two-paced conditions played a role, but the constant pressure was sustained from both bowling ends.
Leading the attack was Jasprit Bumrah, known for his exceptional fast bowling. Despite the unfortunate statistic that India has lost both Tests he has played in this series, he has consistently delivered top performances. His 12 wickets in just two matches, including two five-wicket hauls, place him among the series’ top wicket-takers, trailing only Mohammed Siraj.
Bumrah’s unique bowling style, including a hyperextended right arm and a close release point, contributes to his effectiveness. However, his history of back injuries limits his availability, meaning he will likely participate in only one of the remaining Tests of the series.
Curious Performances
Siraj’s contributions have also been significant, particularly during the Test at Edgbaston, where he and Akash Deep collectively took 17 wickets in a commanding victory. Siraj’s performance, marked by figures of six for 70, has underscored his capability, revealing an interesting statistic about his wicket-taking averages with and without Bumrah.
While Siraj possesses a strong competitive edge and versatility, he must contend with challenges for consistency in his performance, which remains a topic of discussion. Beyond Bumrah and Siraj, there concerns regarding the depth of quality in India’s pace attack as newer players like Akash Deep gain experience, and the future of established bowlers like Mohammed Shami hangs in the balance due to recurrent injuries.
A Call for Support
The necessity for emerging fast bowlers to adapt and excel at the highest level is critical for India’s success in varied conditions. Historically, periods of dominance have often aligned with well-performing pace attacks, underscoring the importance of nurturing talent within the team. As Bumrah and Siraj currently lead, Gill hopes that his bowlers can replicate their effective performance at Lord’s to secure the 20 wickets needed for victory in the next Test at Old Trafford.
