Pant says keeping to Bumrah even tougher than facing the India star

AFP | London

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Rishabh Pant reckons the only thing harder than batting against India’s Jasprit Bumrah is keeping wicket to the fast bowler.

Bumrah is set to return in the third Test against England at Lord’s on Thursday after being rested from India’s crushing 336-run win at Edgbaston last week.

Blessed with the ability to generate sharp pace off a short run, Bumrah’s extraordinary action also means he is capable of late movement as well.

And with the ball often moving significantly after passing the bat in English conditions, Bumrah’s skill can make life tough for India wicketkeeper Pant -- especially at Lord’s where an eight-foot (2.5-metre) slope runs across the ground.

Bumrah’s career figures of 210 wickets in 46 Tests at an average of under 20 stand comparison with cricket ’s greatest quicks.

Pant, asked during a prematch press conference at Lord’s yesterday what makes Bumrah so special, replied: “I think everything. I think how accurate he is , the way his mind works. I think it’s just amazing.”

He added: “I think it’s more difficult for the wicketkeeper behind the wicket than for a batsman, I guess, especially in England.”

India have yet to confirm their side for Lord’s, although captain Shubman Gill has said Bumrah will play, with Prasidh Krishna in line to make way.

At Edgbaston, India deployed three pacemen, with Akash Deep and Mohammed Siraj doing most of the damage, and two spin-bowling all-rounders in Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar.

Pant, asked if India would field a similar attack at Lord’s, said: “Discussions are still going on. But we will get to know by tomorrow (Thursday). Sometimes the wicket changes colour, the moisture will become less also.