India suffered a rare and disappointing eight-wicket defeat New Zealand In the Bengaluru Test on Sunday, October 20. A rain-interrupted affair, the Test match saw India prevail on Day 5 despite favorable cloudy conditions and a pitch suitable for fast bowling.
while jasprit bumrah put in a commendable performance, while the rest of the Indian bowling unit struggled to make an impact. New Zealand pastries, Will Young and Rachin Ravindrahe easily guided his team to victory and gave a sign New Zealand’s first Test win in India in 36 years. The next match will be played at Pune’s Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium from October 24.
Jasprit Bumrah’s lead with the ball
Bumrah continues to be a standout performer in India’s pace attack, reasserting his position as the leader of the bowling unit. In the Bengaluru Test, despite India’s defeat, Bumrah showed excellent control by taking important wickets even in difficult conditions. His ability to extract movement from the seams and maintain accuracy under cloudy skies made him a constant threat to the New Zealand batsmen.
Bumrah was India’s most reliable bowler in 2024, taking 41 wickets in just 8 Tests at a phenomenal average of 15.07. His versatility and intelligence with the ball make him a valuable asset, especially in conditions that offer help to the fast bowlers. His ability to break partnerships at critical moments has often kept India in contention and his leadership in the bowling department is crucial to India’s prospects in the ongoing series. Meanwhile his fast-bowling bowling partner Muhammad Siraj There was a complete disconnect in the Bengaluru Test Akash Deep could not find a place in the 11th part of that game.
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Bumrah’s bowling partner for 2nd Test: Mohammed Siraj or Akash Deep?
1. Top form in Test cricket in 2024
Akash has made a strong case for inclusion in India’s Test line-up due to his consistent performances in the limited opportunities available to him. The Bengals speedster has shown the ability to create movement off the field, something that worries opponents. In 2024, he played 3 Tests and took 8 wickets at an impressive average of 23.12. His ability to strike at key moments, as seen in Fig Duleep Trophy He showed his ability to perform at the biggest stages, where he picked up 9 wickets at a strike rate of 27.
In contrast, Sirac has struggled to find a rhythm at home this year, taking just 12 wickets at an average of 42.83 in 7 Tests. Siraj’s inability to adapt his length to Indian pitches has led to his ineffectiveness, while Akash’s success has come from his ability to hit his backhand at length, creating awkward bounce and moves that could be crucial in Pune.
2. Conditions and affordability of bowling style in Pune
Pune’s pitch has historically offered slow bounce, but bowlers who can get movement off the deck and maintain a tight line can thrive. Akash’s hit-the-deck style, coupled with his ability to generate extra bounce over length, makes him a strong candidate to capitalize on the conditions. While Siraj was successful overseas with his 8-metre deliveries, these did not work in India, where the pitches offered less bounce.
Akash Deep’s ability to adjust his length between 6 and 6.5 meters – the ideal length on Indian wickets – could add much-needed variety to India’s attack. Moreover, with Bumrah likely to lead the attack with his variations, Akash’s pace and bounce can complement him and put pressure on the New Zealand batsmen. His potential to be an X-factor with the ball in conditions that suit his style cannot be overlooked.
3. Decreased influence at home
Siraj’s performances at home have raised concerns about his effectiveness, especially against top teams. His current average of 42.83 in Tests at home this year highlights his struggle to get anything out of Indian pitches, which are slower and less responsive to his aggressive bowling style. While Siraj has excelled in outdoor conditions with his fuller, seam-friendly lengths, this approach does not work on Indian pitches, which require bowlers to adapt to and exploit subtle changes in length.
Akash, on the other hand, has already shown promise at home and his ability to take the ball beyond the seam could provide India with the wicket-keeping advantage they lacked in Bengaluru. Resting Siraj and allowing him to regain his rhythm is important Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) Besides benefiting the player later this year, it will also give India a better all-round bowling attack for the rest of the series against New Zealand.
