India’s star fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah made a dream return to One-Day International cricket during the first match against England at Birmingham on Tuesday.
It was his first ODI appearance since India’s heartbreaking loss to Australia in the 2023 World Cup final.
In the 13th over, he dismissed England batter Harry Brook for just one run. Brook attempted an attacking shot but was caught by Indian captain Rohit Sharma. With that wicket, the pacer reached a major career milestone, claiming his 150th wicket in ODI cricket. The breakthrough and the milestone were a welcome sight for Indian fans, who had eagerly waited to see him back leading India’s pace attack in the format.
Indian pacers grab spotlight with hostile bowling in 1st ODI
Indian pacers have grabbed the spotlight with this terrific bowling performance. England got off to a good start, scoring 61/0, and looked all set for a big total. Gurnoor Brar picked up two wickets in the same over as both openers fell. Jasprit Bumrah then came into the attack and dismissed England captain Harry Brook to put them in further trouble. Prasidh Krishna claimed two wickets in the 17th over, with Jos Buttler and Sam Curran losing their wickets within a matter of a few balls.
These are encouraging signs that the Indian pacers are thriving and that the team’s pace-bowling depth is getting stronger. India are missing Harshit Rana and Hardik Pandya due to injury, but despite that, the pacers have managed to put up an impressive show.
Making his return to the ODI side after almost three years, Bumrah started brilliantly in his opening spell. He bowled four overs with the new ball, conceding just eight runs. His accuracy was spot on and kept the England batters under constant pressure.
He was brought back into the attack in the 14th over after Harry Brook walked to the crease and made an immediate impact by dismissing him to mark his return with a wicket. Shivam Dube also contributed with his medium pace to dismiss Will Jacks as England lost six wickets within 22 overs.
This also marks the first time since the 2023 World Cup that India have fielded all three senior stars, Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, and Rohit Sharma together in an ODI. India have made a dominant start to the match, with the pacers doing most of the damage. They will now look to wrap up the innings quickly and take an early lead in the three-match series as they continue building towards the 2027 World Cup.