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‘Test cricket is at the paramount level’ – Jasprit Bumrah

by Wisden Staff 2 minute read

Jasprit Bumrah cannot wait to don the India whites again, but can’t right away, as he nurses a thumb injury that he sustained in a T20I against Ireland late last month.

The 24-year-old pacer has been a mere spectator on the tour of England so far. He has not featured in any of the three T20Is or ODIs and will now be forced to miss the opening Test against England, which starts on August 1 at Edgbaston as well.

However, Bumrah is in line to make an appearance from the second Test onwards and he hopes to leave an impression.

‘I always loved Test cricket and I rate it very highly’

“I enjoy playing each and every format,” said Bumrah during an interview with Mumbai Indians, his IPL franchise. “But for me, Test cricket is at the paramount level, because I feel everything is tested at that level.”

Bumrah has already made quite a name for himself in the shorter formats as a death-bowling specialist, and started his run in the five-day format well in South Africa earlier this year. He made his Test debut in the first Test, and picked up 14 wickets in the three Tests, which India lost 2-1.

“I always wanted to play Test cricket,” he said. “I was happy when I finally got to play it in South Africa. The start also went well. I always loved Test cricket and I rate it very highly.

“Hopefully, whenever I play more, I’ll be able to do well and gain more confidence. So that will reflect on other formats as well. I don’t have any (other) personal goals. I take it one day at a time.”

It is also not just cricket with Bumrah when on tour. Getting a chance to visit a new country, Bumrah elaborated on the careful planning he does with regards to the culture of the places he goes to.

“You look to enjoy the country, you look to see the place. That is how you get to know about the culture of the place and you eventually start enjoying the country. It then reflects on your performance as well,” he said.

“Whenever I go to a new country, I always plan in advance. Before visiting the country, I have a look at a few videos. What works over there. What the home team does over there. It is very important for long tours to enjoy the country and see the places. So that’s the basic thing that I look to follow.”

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