We do have to score runs off Jasprit Bumrah and that’s what we’ll try to do: Ben Stokes

As the highly anticipated third Test between England and India looms large, skipper Ben Stokes has emphasized the need for individual game plans to counter India’s ace pacer, Jasprit Bumrah. The ongoing Test series has seen Bumrah wreak havoc, securing 15 wickets at an impressive average of 10.66.

In a pre-match press conference, Stokes lauded Bumrah’s prowess, acknowledging him as an “unbelievable bowler” who has consistently delivered outstanding performances. Despite the challenges posed by Bumrah, Stokes stressed the importance of English batters devising their strategies to score runs off the skilled bowler.

“Jasprit Bumrah is an unbelievable bowler. He’s proven that for a very long time and has performed really well in the two games. I think everyone has got their own way of trying to deal with Bumrah but we do have to score runs off him as well and that’s what we’ll try to do,” said Stokes, as quoted by India Today.

Reflecting on the team’s approach, Stokes discussed diverse strategies against bowlers and credited Bumrah’s outstanding performance. He emphasized individual approaches and stressed the team’s focus on their own game to tackle Bumrah’s threat.

“But when that doesn’t work you just have to give credit to the bowler and Jasprit’s been outstanding the first two games. We’ve all got our own processes against every single bowler and there’s no team way of playing anyone. But as we always try to do we’ll be trying to keep the focus around us,” he added.

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Bumrah’s outstanding display in the second Test secured him the title of the fastest Indian pacemaker to achieve 150 Test wickets. On the other hand, Stokes played down his milestone of reaching his 100th Test, expressing eagerness to conclude the presentation swiftly so the focus could shift entirely to cricket.

“I’m looking forward to getting the presentation done and dusted, then everything can be on the cricket. I’m proud to say that I’ve been able to play a part in 100 Tests, because it’s quite a lot – it’s a lot of warm-ups. It’s one more game and hopefully, there’s a lot more to come. There have been some great times in an England shirt and some not so great times. That is what’s great about professional sport.”

“I’ve been able to make sure every day is a learning day, whether it be good or bad. Later down the line, when I’m a bit older and maybe not playing, is when I’ll have more of a chance to reflect on everything I’ve done on the field,” he added.

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1-1 is a fair reflection of the cricket that has been played in the first two games: Stokes

With the series finely poised at 1-1, Stokes deemed it a fair reflection of the cricket played so far. Looking ahead, he emphasized the team’s commitment to playing good cricket, believing that if they perform near their capability, positive results will follow.

“1-1 is a fair reflection of the cricket that has been played in the first two games. The focus is on this game and then everything after that. If we play anywhere near to our capability, we’ll give ourselves a good chance of winning. If we do play good cricket, then the results look after themselves,” added Stokes.

As both teams gear up for a crucial encounter, Stokes and his men face the challenge of maintaining England’s unbeaten record since he took over as captain in 2022. India, on the other hand, seek to extend their unbeaten home Test series streak since 2012. The stage is set for a riveting battle in Rajkot, with the skipper urging his team to rise to the occasion and tackle Bumrah’s threat head-on.

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