As the India National Cricket Team kickstarts preparations for the high-octane five-match Test series against England, all eyes were on the pace king Jasprit Bumrah in Beckenham, where the tourists are currently training ahead of the first Test at Headingley on June 20.
With Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli both retiring from Test cricket, the India National Cricket Team is all set to begin a new chapter under the young captain Shubman Gill, and Jasprit Bumrah will lead the charge with the ball in the upcoming Test series.
India’s new Test era begins with Jasprit Bumrah bowling fire in Beckenham
At the Kent ground in Beckenham, Bumrah turned heads during India’s practice session with a masterclass in fast bowling. The 31-year-old pacer didn’t wait for the pitch to help, as he created trouble for the Indian batters with his bowling supremacy.
Jasprit Bumrah proved once again why he’s the most feared pacer in the world by hitting the right lengths, beating the bat repeatedly, and nailing pinpoint yorkers.
According to ESPNCricinfo, the Indian speedster was seen discussing his past Test heroics at Trent Bridge with bowling coach Morne Morkel, especially his five-wicket hauls in England. He recalled how, in 2018, the Dukes ball danced for him in swing- and seam-friendly conditions, but later tours felt tougher with a less responsive ball for him.
Injury caution for Jasprit Bumrah on England tour
Despite being in fiery rhythm, Bumrah’s workload in the upcoming five-match Test series will be carefully managed by the Indian cricket team management.
Recently, Indian chief selector Ajit Agarkar has already confirmed that Bumrah won’t play back-to-back Tests to avoid risking another injury flare-up after his back injury sidelined him during the Australia tour.
The recurrence of the injury had forced Bumrah to miss the SCG Test and then India’s triumphant ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign. However, the Yorker King looked in good touch during the IPL 2025 for Mumbai Indians, but India hasn’t decided exactly which tests Bumrah will play.
Jasprit Bumrah on the brink of twin milestones in England Tests
Meanwhile, Jasprit is just two wickets away from becoming the highest wicket-taker among Asian bowlers in SENA countries—South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia. With 145 wickets to his name in these testing overseas conditions, Bumrah is all set to overtake Pakistan legend Wasim Akram, who sits at 146 in the upcoming Test series.
Pakistani legend Wasim Akram is currently the most successful Asian Test bowler in the SENA countries. Behind him on the list are icons like Anil Kumble (141), Ishant Sharma (130), and Muttiah Muralitharan (125).
Additionally, the star pacer is also on the cusp of achieving another massive milestone. He needs just five more wickets to become the first Asian bowler ever to claim 150 Test wickets in SENA countries. Traditionally, SENA pitches have been graveyards for subcontinental bowlers.
But Bumrah has thrived, and his record in England alone is jaw-dropping, taking 64 wickets in just 9 Tests at a staggering average of 17.16. He is expected to play a key role in the Test series.
