Sanjay Manjrekar, the former Indian batsman turned commentator has stated that he doesn’t like the angry version of pacer Jasprit Bumrah which was on display during Day 3 of the Johannesburg Test against South Africa.
Jasprit Bumrah and South African pacer Marco Jansen were involved in a heated exchange on Wednesday after the latter peppered the Indian tailender with bouncers. The altercation reminded fans and experts of the Jasprit Bumrah-James Anderson verbal duel during the Lord’s Test last year.
Sanjay Manjrekar Doesn’t Like This Angry Side Of Jasprit Bumrah
Asked for his views on ‘angry’ Jasprit Bumrah, Sanjay Manjrekar candidly admitted that it is a side of the pace bowler he would prefer not to see too often.
The former cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar said during a discussion: “This anger thing is interesting. It happened in England as well. I don’t like this side of Bumrah. It’s a side of Bumrah I don’t want to see too much of. I like it when things get really hot, he has a smile on his face, like he usually does. ”
Sanjay Manjrekar also spoke about Jasprit Bumrah’s bowling effort on the 3rd day and opined that he wasn’t getting enough purchase out of a responsive surface.
The 56-year-old added: “There’s never a problem with Bumrah not having any control. He will always pitch the ball where he wants to. I am a little concerned that nothing much is happening after the ball is pitching where he wants to. I’d like to see the ball rear in, jagging back off the seam or leaving the right-hander.”
Comparing Bumrah’s spell with that of Shardul Thakur, Manjrekar pointed out: “The amount of times Shardul Thakur beat the bat tells you that Bumrah is just not getting enough reaction from the pitch for some reason.”
Former South African batsman Daryll Cullinan was also disappointed with Indian pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah’s effort on the 3rd day’s play.
Sharing his views, he commented: “One would have expected him to cause the batters a lot more trouble. Perhaps he’s trying too hard or maybe it’s not leaving the hand properly. He bowled two three good balls and then he tried something straight or went too short or offered something.”
Sanjay Manjrekar Expects India’s Quality Line Up Including The Wicketless Duo Of Jasprit Bumrah And Mohammed Shami To Bowl Better On Day 4
According to Sanjay Manjrekar, not only Jasprit Bumrah but even Mohammed Shami looked out of rhythm on Day 3, which allowed South Africa to get off to a solid start.
Analyzing India’s overall bowling effort on Wednesday, the former middle-order batter admitted: “India did not have a great bowling time, especially with their two spearheads. Mohammed Shami was slightly off line and Bumrah was not getting enough out of the pitch. Nothing much is happening after the ball pitches.”
Terming Thakur the pick of the bowlers, Manjrekar concluded: “There is something there for Ashwin. I expect this quality bowling line-up to bowl better on Day 4. That’s why I think India are still very much in the game to win it.”
While Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami went wicketless on Wednesday, Shardul Thakur and Ravichandran Ashwin impressed, claiming one wicket each. Shardul Thakur had earlier claimed his maiden five-wicket haul in the 1st innings in Test to push South Africa on the back foot in the second Test at the Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg while leading India’s remarkable turnaround after being bowled out for 202.
When Shardul Thakur led his teammates off the field, he had 7 for 61 next to his name, and India had limited South Africa’s lead to 27. India then scored 266 to set up a target of 240 for South Africa to win and square series.
The hosts, chasing a target of 240, went to stumps at 118-2, with Dean Elgar and Rassie van der Dussen amidst a 25-run partnership. Skipper Dean Elgar (46), who took many a blow on his body, and Rassie van der Dussen (11) will resume the home chase on Thursday morning. They need 122 more runs to level the series. As it is still drizzling in Johannesburg, there’s is likely that the first session of Day 4 will be completely washed out due to rain.
Brief Scores:
India: 202 and 266 in 60.1 overs (A Rahane 58, C Pujara 53; K Rabada 3/73, M Jansen 3/67, L Ngidi 3/43).
South Africa: 202 and 118 for 2 in 40 overs. (D Elgar 46 batting, A Markram 34, R Ashwin 1/14, S Thakur 1/24).