Pant: Keeping to Bumrah 'Tougher Than Facing Him'! England Brace Themselves
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Rishabh Pant believes keeping wicket to Jasprit Bumrah is a greater challenge than facing the Indian pace spearhead with the bat. Bumrah is poised to return for the third Test against England at Lord's on Thursday, having been rested after India's dominant 336-run victory at Edgbaston.
Bumrah's ability to generate extreme pace from a short run-up, coupled with his unique action, allows him to produce significant late movement. This skill, especially in English conditions where the ball moves considerably after passing the batsman, presents a formidable challenge for wicketkeeper Pant, particularly at Lord's with its infamous slope.
With 210 wickets in 46 Tests at an average of under 20, Bumrah's statistics place him among cricket's elite fast bowlers. During a pre-match press conference at Lord's, Pant lauded Bumrah's exceptional accuracy and tactical intelligence, stating, "I think everything. I think how accurate he is, the way his mind works. I think it's just amazing."
He added, "I think it's more difficult for the wicketkeeper behind the wicket than for a batsman, I guess, especially in England."
While India's final XI for Lord's is yet to be confirmed, captain Shubman Gill has indicated Bumrah's inclusion, likely replacing Prasidh Krishna. In the Edgbaston Test, India fielded three pacemen – Akash Deep and Mohammed Siraj leading the attack – alongside two spin-bowling all-rounders, Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar.
Pant commented on the potential team composition for Lord's: "Discussions are still going on. But we will get to know by tomorrow (Thursday). Sometimes the wicket changes colour, the moisture will become less also. We have to see the wicket and take a call on how the wicket is doing."
England, seeking to halt India's momentum, have recalled fast bowler Jofra Archer. The stage is set for a thrilling encounter at Lord's.