Daijiworld Media Network - Leeds

Leeds, Jun 22: Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has hailed Jasprit Bumrah as the finest fast bowler India has ever produced in men’s international cricket, following the pacer’s standout performance on Day 2 of the first Test in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series.

Bumrah returned impressive figures of 3 for 48 in 12 overs, standing out in a largely lacklustre Indian bowling display. He was unfortunate not to add to his tally after Ravindra Jadeja dropped Ben Duckett on 15 at backward point and a dismissal of Harry Brook was overturned due to a no-ball at the close of play.

In a chat with Sky Sports, Shastri didn't hold back in his praise.

“There is no question he is India's greatest fast bowler. I played with Kapil Dev, but this guy is different. He can dismantle any batting line-up, on any pitch, in any format.”

Shastri went on to compare Bumrah's skillset to legendary West Indies pacer Malcolm Marshall.

“Marshall was the best I saw when it came to reading batters and setting them up, but Bumrah is not far behind. He’s become even more lethal now that he’s swinging the new ball. With his action and late release, that swing becomes a nightmare for batters.”

Despite India’s inability to extend their first innings by another 75–80 runs, Shastri believes the match remains finely balanced and India still have the edge—especially if Bumrah can deliver in the first session of Day 3.

“Getting Root out late on Day 2 was big. India have the runs on the board, and with Bumrah in this form, he can break the game open early. A couple of quick wickets and India could be in the driver’s seat again.”

With the series delicately poised, much depends on whether Bumrah can maintain his magic with the ball and deliver another match-turning spell.