Bumrah defends Indian fielders

In a parallel world, Jasprit Bumrah could have had more than the five wickets he ended up with in England’s first innings here, and that too in double quick time.

But a disastrous fielding display by his teammates – they dropped three catches off his bowling – and some rotten luck – he dismissed Harry Brook off a no-ball when on nought – ensured India was on the field for far longer than desired. But Bumrah was empathetic towards his fielders.

“You have to move forward,” he said on Sunday. “I try to quickly forget. They [fielders] are also new [to England] and sometimes the ball is tough to sight. I don’t want to be angry and kicking and putting more pressure.”

Bumrah also stated that the wicket was still good to bat. “There is a little bit of two-pace and the new ball might swing. But no demons. It’s a fast scoring ground. So the more runs we get, the better.”

By his own admission, the 31-year-old is not looking to play more than three Tests this series for better management of his workload. But the potential limited participation doesn’t affect his thinking and preparation, he said.

“You don’t look at what is going to happen. At this moment, I am trying to assess the wicket, and the batter. I am not thinking about how many games I am going to play.”

The constant chatter about his career ending because of injuries also doesn’t bother him.

“It was once said that I can’t play cricket at all. Then it became six months, eight months. But it’s been more than 10 years now in internationals and 12 to 13 years of IPL. Still people are saying ‘I will go’. People can keep saying, but I am going nowhere. I will keep playing until god allows me to and try taking Indian cricket forward.”