NZ vs IND: Shane Bond backs Bumrah for Test series
Former fast bowler Shane Bond believes Jasprit Bumrah could have a massive impact in the upcoming Test series against New Zealand. He also reiterated that Bumrah's lean patch drew criticism due to burden of expectations on him. The Indian seamer who went wicketless against New Zealand in the recently-concluded ODI series, will likely be all guns blazing in the longest format. Here's more.
New Zealand have played Bumrah well: Bond
"When you come back from a lay-off, it's always hard to get into the groove. The conditions are a bit foreign. Although New Zealand played him well in limited overs, Jasprit will have a massive impact on the Test series," Bond said.
Bumrah failed to deliver the goods in the ODI series
India's linchpin of pace attack Jasprit Bumrah ended up being wicketless in the entire ODI series against New Zealand. This is the first instance when he was sans a single wicket in a bilateral ODI series. He didn't appear to be in his regular rhythm, leaking 167 runs across three ODIs. "New Zealand played him well. They have played him conservatively," Bond stated.
Bumrah's bowling graph has fallen massively
Bumrah was sidelined for four months after sustaining stress fracture in back during India's West Indies before returning back in the T20I series against Sri Lanka in January 2020. He was tipped to maintain his terrific record, but his recent numbers paint a different story. Bumrah has snapped up a solitary ODI wicket (6 matches) and eight T20I wickets this year.
He will be eyeing the much needed comeback
Interestingly, the 12-Test old Bumrah hasn't played a single Test at home. He has scalped 62 wickets (all overseas) at an average of 19.24. The 26-year-old also clinched a hat-trick in his last Test series (vs West Indies, 2019). He will play his maiden Test on the New Zealand soil, having previously toured South Africa, England, Australia and West Indies.
Bumrah will use his experience in the Test series: Bond
"It always takes time to get back to top form because there is no substitute of game time. So it's good for Jasprit that he is leading into Test matches with some short form cricket," said Bond.
