England opener Ben Duckett praised Team India pacer Jasprit Bumrah after Day 2 of the first Test at Headingley, calling him the best bowler in the world. Duckett also admitted that Bumrah is difficult to face in all conditions, whether on flat Indian pitches or under lights in seamer-friendly English conditions.
Jasprit Bumrah was India’s sole wicket-taker, taking all three England wickets on Day 2 in Leeds on Saturday, June 21. He dismissed Zak Crawley in the opening over, broke a crucial 122-run partnership between Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope, and removed Joe Root for 28 to provide a breakthrough before stumps.
Ben Duckett, who scored 62 in the first innings, said that it is difficult to face Jasprit Bumrah regardless of the conditions. He said that England managed to contain the damage early in their innings despite the challenge.
“He is the best bowler in the world," Duckett said after the day’s play. “He’s extremely hard to face. He’s good in any conditions; he’s good in India on the flattest pitches ever and when he’s coming in down the hill at Headingley with the lights on and it’s swinging both ways. I feel like we minimised the damage early on."
You’ve Got to Still Try and Put Him Under Pressure - Ben Duckett
Duckett said the situation could have been much worse for England given Jasprit Bumrah’s quality. He said that batters should not let Bumrah settle, adding the need to capitalize on any loose deliveries and put pressure to disrupt his rhythm.
“It could have been a lot worse today… He is just a world-class bowler, and you can’t let someone like him just bowl; he’s too good for that. You’ve got to still try and put him under pressure, and try to put the bad balls away," Duckett added.
Jasprit Bumrah ended with figures of 3 for 48 in 13 overs. The rest of the Indian bowling attack struggled, conceding 154 runs in 36 overs at an economy rate of 4.27. Prasidh Krishna and Shardul Thakur leaked 79 runs in 13 overs between them without taking a wicket.
Bumrah nearly claimed a fourth wicket late in the day when he surprised Harry Brook with a sharp bouncer. Although the catch was taken, the dismissal was overturned as Bumrah had overstepped.
I Had Goosebumps for Him - Ben Duckett on Ollie Pope’s Century
Ben Duckett also praised Ollie Pope for his match-defining century, saying he felt goosebumps watching the celebration. He said that Pope delivered under pressure amid growing speculation about his spot, especially with Jacob Bethell on the bench.
“I had goosebumps for him. You go one down and he comes in and takes all the pressure on you and scores quick. He is such a legend and such a big part of this team. We know there is noise outside the dressing room so to go and score 171 then 100 is something else."
"If he does get in, he gets 100s and someone like him at 3 against India, it is a no brainer. Popey scored 100s, and he did it away as well when we won- he is a match winner. It is a great start to the series for him," Duckett said.
Also read: India vs England Weather Report, Day 3 Of Leeds Test 2025
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