There are few fast bowlers in the world who can turn a match on its head quite like Jasprit Bumrah.
With his quirky action, pinpoint accuracy, and ability to outthink the world’s best batters, he’s a puzzle that England’s batting lineup needs to solve — fast.
This summer, as England take on India, the spotlight is firmly on how Ben Stokes and his team handle the ultimate disrupter in Bumrah.
The Bowling Style That Breaks the Mold
Bumrah is anything but conventional. His unusual, stuttering run-up, combined with a hyperextended elbow and high-arm release, means the ball comes at you quicker and from a different angle than you expect.
It’s not just the visual weirdness — it’s the effect it has on timing, rhythm, and decision-making at the crease.
Facing him is like trying to read a book that keeps rearranging the words.
You think you’re ready… and then he lets rip a 90mph rocket out of nowhere.
The Numbers Back It Up
Don’t be fooled by the unorthodox action — Bumrah’s numbers speak for themselves.
Over 200 Test wickets at an average of just 19, an economy rate under three, and an arsenal that includes deadly yorkers, vicious bouncers, and deceptive slower balls.
Against Australia, he claimed 32 wickets in five Tests over the winter at an average of 13.
Put simply, he’s not just flashy — he’s brutally effective.
Why Batters Struggle to Pick Him
One of the trickiest things about facing Bumrah is knowing when to get ready.
Most bowlers have a fluid rhythm you can anticipate. Bumrah doesn’t.
His staggered approach messes with timing. Is it a jog? Is he sprinting? And then — bang! — the ball is past you.
Even experienced players like Ben Stokes have been caught off guard.
What looked like a low bouncer turned out to be pure pace that surprised him off the pitch.
It’s All in the Details
Because of the way Bumrah delivers — later than most bowlers and with that bent elbow — it feels like he’s bowling from just 19 yards instead of the usual 22.
Add in his unique release angle, and he creates movement off the pitch that batters can’t read easily.
Joe Root, one of England’s best, has fallen to Bumrah nine times.
Often, it’s not about the speed but the angle and subtle change in movement that draws the edge.
England’s Best Hope? Keep Him Out There
The good news for England is that Bumrah’s body doesn’t always hold up for long.
India are reportedly planning to play him in just three of the five Tests this summer.
And this is where England’s fast-scoring, high-risk “Bazball” approach may need tweaking.
To wear Bumrah down, they’ll need to keep him in the field, force him to bowl long spells, and drag him into a third or fourth burst — exactly when fatigue sets in and effectiveness drops.
The Supporting Cast is Lighter This Time
Without Mohammed Shami on this tour, India’s bowling attack doesn’t have quite the same depth.
Once Bumrah and Siraj are seen off, there are potential scoring opportunities for England — if they can avoid the early damage.
That’s a big if. But with a more measured approach, there’s room for England to capitalize.
Mind Games at the Crease
Bumrah’s presence can get inside a batter’s head. His action is disruptive, his pace deceptive, and his skills razor-sharp.
But ultimately, it’s the ball — not the bowler — that needs to be played.
Great players don’t worry about who’s delivering it. They focus on the ball itself.
That was the key to playing legends like Shane Warne — and it applies just as much to Bumrah.
Can Bumrah Be Contained?
There’s no magic formula. Bumrah is one of the best fast bowlers across all formats — right up there with Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Kagiso Rabada. He’ll always be dangerous.
But he’s not unbeatable. Every bowler has an off day.
And if England can make him work for his wickets, stay disciplined, and play the situation — not the reputation — they might just come out on top.
The Series Prediction
With India missing senior batters like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, and England playing at home where they’ve historically dominated, the edge may lie with the hosts.
If England play smart — particularly against Bumrah — Nasser Hussain’s pick is 3–1 in favor of England.
But make no mistake: it’ll take their very best to pull it off.