“It triggered us, rather than receiving a good response,” Bumrah recalls of his intense matchup with Anderson in the 2021 Lord’s Test

Ben Stokes’ England will be hosted by Team India for five Test matches beginning on Thursday in Hyderabad. The teams have established themselves in Telangana state’s capital city, where they are preparing for what could be an exciting match between two titans of Test cricket. Ace bowler Jasprit Bumrah reminisced about his intense matchup with English fast James Anderson in the Lord’s Test of 2021, which India won by 151 runs, ahead of the first game of the series.

Following an unprecedented 89-run unbroken partnership for the ninth wicket with Mohammad Shami, Bumrah produced 3 for 33 in only 15 overs. However, everyone’s attention was drawn to his matchup with Anderson. Bumrah targeted the seasoned English players with a flurry of short balls with one wicket left to win the match. The Indian fast allowed four balls without hitting the ball in the 26th over of the last innings, but he still managed to strike Anderson in the left hand, helmet, and ribs.

Anderson had said that Bumrah was “up there for intimidation” while describing the event. The latter, however, recently provided his account of events to The Guardian, saying that when he attempted to follow up with Anderson, he did not get a “good response.”

“I tried to push to bowl fast because I was tired and thought I had the last wicket.” I approached him and said, “Are you okay?” but I didn’t receive a satisfactory answer. That reminded me of when I was younger—trying to be the good guy and not getting along. And the crew as a whole was triggered. Though it was channeled, the mist was crimson. We naturally fight and play; managing it is something we have to do on our own, Bumrah remarked.

The 30-year-old avoids engaging in on-field small talk with rival players and has always maintained a cool, collected demeanor when playing. He did admit, however, that this was not the case when he was younger. He gradually came to the conclusion that his aggressive approach to batters was not aiding him in concentrating on his game.

“As a fast bowler who picked up the skill from watching TV, I believed that you had to become upset and speak with the batter. and I was that person when I began playing junior cricket. However, after attempting such shenanigans, I realized it’s not who I am and that it doesn’t help me concentrate on the task at hand. As a fast bowler, I have to learn how to control my rage. I am here to make you uncomfortable, not to amuse or to provide throwdowns. I want wickets, not to be hit. However, I don’t want to lose my form or my comfort zone.

“Having watched Anderson perform since I was a child”

Bumrah went on to commend Anderson’s “hunger and passion,” which drove him to participate in the sporting event at 41 years old.

“Much respect to (Anderson); I can honestly state that I’ve been observing him since I was a little kid. The fact that he is still playing at the age of 41 speaks well of him and his zeal and drive. Having favorable circumstances is one thing, but continuing with all that preparation is another. Although skill and technique can be learnt, he said, “For me, the ability to persevere is a huge tick.”