Boria Majumdar at Eden Gardens
The day started with chants of “Boom, Boom, Bumrah!”. In fact, as he was fielding in front of the B block, he even acknowledged the crowd. Jasprit Bumrah and the Eden Gardens crowd was a match made in heaven on day one of the Test match. Each time he picked up a wicket, the roar was defeaning. That’s what Eden has always been about. They know their cricket, and know how to celebrate a champion effort.
South Africa had started well and raced to 57 in no time. Boundaries were coming easily and fast, and India badly needed a wicket. That’s when Bumrah, who had been tight all morning, produced a beauty to dismiss Ryan Rickelton. The crowd, which had been celebrating every good stop, all of a sudden found something more tangible to cheer. The match had come alive and then Shubman Gill played a masterstroke by handing Bumrah an extra over after his sixth.
That’s when he produced the peach, which turned the game. Aiden Markram, who was gradually coming into his own and had already hit Axar Patel for a six, was totally taken aback when the ball kicked up from a length. It was unplayable. Bumrah celebrated with his two hands up in the air, and the crowd had got what they wanted. Eden needed to embrace Test cricket again, and it did. Bumrah must have loved bowling in front of a 35,000-strong crowd, which couldn’t stop cheering his name.
Playing his first Test at this hallowed venue, he ended up with yet another five-wicket haul. And in doing so, he set the game up for India against the reigning World Test Championship holders. What was impressive to watch was the intensity after lunch. Bumrah yet again turned in a top effort, and bowled a five-over burst. It answered all questions about his fitness, and yet again showed why he is celebrated as being a class apart.
After he picked up the final wicket, the crowd added to the occasion. He showed the ball to them and made their day. And they, in turn, made it memorable for him by continuously chanting his name as he retreated into the dressing room for a much-needed rest.
A more-than-half-full Eden for a Test match is always a treat. Bumrah’s effort made it special for each one present, and in turn, they made his Eden debut that much more memorable.