Kanpur Test win ‘special’ for pace ace Bumrah as he admits enjoying new challenge; hails newbie Akash Deep

Jasprit Bumrah hasn’t put a foot wrong since his return from the injury last year, guiding India to a famous win in Kanpur against Bangladesh in the recently concluded second Test. The India pace ace was on the top of his game in this two-match Test series, picking up joint-most wickets (11) alongside Player of the Series Ravichandran Ashwin, three of which came in the second innings in Kanpur.

Bumrah, who has played enough cricket in India to judge the pitch by the look of it, admits finding it challenging to deliver with his usual Test cricket's line and length here in Kanpur. However, he weathered the storm with utter grace, picking crucial wickets across both innings, more importantly at the right time, to put India’s nose in the front.

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Being called a ‘magician’ with the ball in hand, Bumrah said he doesn’t like to use adjectives much but is happy to deliver for the team despite rain interruptions for over two days.

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“It feels really good. I don't think about all those adjectives (being called a magician). It is really good to get this win.

“You use your experience, but it is easier said than done because you have played a lot of cricket and played on different surfaces, you find solutions; this wicket was completely different to what we got in Chennai, so quickly communicated with the others and tried to find the best option.

"I like that challenge when you go against your nature, conditions are not favourable, the wicket is not favourable, how do you get answers, all of these battles I really like,” Bumrah said to the broadcaster after the end of the second Test.

Bumrah hails newbie Akash Deep

Following Akash Deep’s impressive Test debut against England early this year, he continued his superb run against Bangladesh, picking up five wickets in two contested matches.

In Mohammed Shami’s absence, Akash Deep stepped up and delivered for the team, showing keenness to learn from the great Bumrah.

“He (Akash Deep) comes up to me quite a lot before a spell and asks me what is happening and what should I do; we have had a lot of interesting conversations, the energy he brings on the ball, he gives his best on the field, and when he's bowling, he has got a lot of heart, and that is a good sign for us going forward. Hopefully, he goes from strength to strength,” Bumrah said of Akash Deep.

Meanwhile, with the New Zealand Test and the Border-Gavaskar series approaching, the selectors will bank on Akash Deep to remain consistent with his form and win matches for the team.

(With inputs from agencies)