David Gower in awe of Bumrah & Shami’s match-winning partnership in Lord’s Test
While India’s 151-run triumph over England in the second Test was a collective team effort, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami stunning show with the willow was the turning point of the game. The two speedsters made a mockery of England bowlers on Day 5 and scored runs for fun. While Shami slammed a sensational half-century, Bumrah contributed with 34 runs. Riding on their brilliance, Virat Kohli’s men scripted a memorable win at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Stadium.
Notably, Bumrah and Shami formed their partnership against the run of play. At one stage, the visitors were reeling 209/8 in their second innings, having a lead of just 182 runs. With the Lord’s track deteriorating constantly, India were expected to lose their two wickets soon. However, Bumrah and Shami had other plans. The duo added 89 runs for the ninth wicket as India declared at 298/8, giving the hosts a target of 272 runs.
In reply, England were bundled out for 120 inside two sessions and India earned a 1-0 lead in the five-match series. Needless to mention, Bumrah and Shami’s heroics received praises from numerous fans and experts. Former England captain David Gower is the latest to join the bandwagon. Hailing the duo, Gower said even the two fast bowler’s parents wouldn’t have predicted their blitzes.
Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah’s partnership sent the world into a frenzy
“The world has gone mad. The world has gone completely mad when you’ve got Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah sharing a partnership of 89 on the fifth morning. No one, not even their parents, or their close family, would have predicted that one,” Gower told Cricket.com.
Notably, England pacers opted for a bizarre approach, attacking Indian tail-enders with bouncers. The move evidently backfired as Gower is not amused with the tactics. He reckoned that emotions got better of the hosts as they lost the plot entirely.
“What was interesting about the final hour was that the passion and emotions got too much for England. Yes they’d been stirred up with the Bumrah and Anderson stuff, but it’s amazing how when your emotions take control, your carefully laid plans could become mislaid plans. Every Root had to admit that he got his tactics wrong,” the 64-year-old asserted.