Former Australia captain Michael Clarke has offered his insights on the Indian bowling attack, particularly highlighting the performance of other pacers in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah. His comments come after the recently concluded Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, where India managed to draw the five-match Test series 2-2 against England, despite Bumrah missing two of the matches due to workload management.
Mohammed Siraj’s Stepping Up
Clarke lauded Mohammed Siraj for his impressive display, especially in the crucial Oval Test where India secured a series-levelling victory. “Every time Bumrah is not around, Siraj has this ‘I’ve got to stand up’ mindset and attitude,” Clarke stated on the Beyond23 Cricket Podcast.
He emphasized Siraj’s eagerness to take on responsibility under pressure, saying, “He wants the ball when the team is under pressure. I feel like he’s a better bowler when there is more expectation and pressure on his shoulders. I think he really enjoys that role in the team.” Siraj’s five-wicket haul in the second innings of the Oval Test was particularly noted.
Credit to the Other Bowlers
While acknowledging Bumrah’s undeniable quality, Clarke was quick to give credit to the rest of the Indian bowling unit for their ability to perform in his absence. “In the two Test matches that India won, the best bowler in the world, Jasprit Bumrah, didn’t play,” Clarke pointed out. “Bumrah didn’t play the two Test matches that India won. So, to the other bowlers in the Indian squad — they deserve a lot of credit for stepping up.”
Despite India’s successes without him, Clarke maintained that Bumrah’s presence makes any team stronger. “And I do believe, and I don’t think anybody would disagree, that any team with Bumrah in it is a better team. But to be able to win those two matches without him, that bowling attack deserves a lot of credit.”
Defending Bumrah’s Workload Management
Clarke also defended Jasprit Bumrah against critics who questioned his professionalism for missing Tests. Bumrah featured in three of the five Tests, taking 14 wickets in those matches. The team management had cited workload management for his absence, especially given his history of injuries.
Alongside Siraj, Prasidh Krishna also drew attention for his performance in the Oval Test, where he picked up eight wickets in the match. His ability to adapt his lengths in English conditions was highlighted as a key factor in his success, suggesting his potential to become a vital part of India’s pace attack.
