India’s premier pacer Jasprit Bumrah produced a brilliant five-wicket haul against South Africa on the opening day of the first Test at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. South African legend Dale Steyn was left impressed with Bumrah’s control and impact, saying the Indian pacer’s “name gets him wickets.”
Steyn said at the broadcaster’s post-match show: “Bumrah hits you with pace — 145, 140 km/h — it’s really quick. He doesn’t give anything away and still picks up wickets. That’s his mastery. His name brings a threat. In the dressing room, the discussion among batters will be: ‘Let’s see through his spell. Let’s not get out to him.’ But every time Bumrah bowls, he manages to pick a wicket or two, and that puts the other bowlers in a position to strike as well. His name gets him wickets, not just the areas he lands the ball in.”
Bumrah was outstanding for India throughout the day. He gave India the first two breakthroughs, removing South African openers Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton. In the 33rd over, he trapped Tony de Zorzi LBW. Later, he dismissed Simon Harmer and Keshav Maharaj in the same over to wrap up the South African innings.
Steyn further praised his discipline and plans: “Bumrah was the blueprint for the day. He hit the deck hard, didn’t bowl many half-volleys, targeted the stumps, and gave away very little. That’s exactly how the South Africans should have looked to bowl. If you follow that, you get the rewards like he did.”
For the latest sports news follow- Revsportz