After spending almost three years away from One Day Internationals, Jasprit Bumrah made an impressive return as India faced England at Edgbaston. Although his figures showed only one wicket, his spell highlighted exactly why he continues to rank among the world’s finest fast bowlers.
Bumrah’s previous ODI appearance came in the 2023 World Cup final against Australia in Ahmedabad. Since then, India had played 26 matches in the format while carefully managing his workload, focusing mainly on T20 cricket. That strategy paid off as India successfully defended consecutive T20 World Cup titles, making his return to the 50 over format one of the biggest talking points before the match.
Right from the opening over, Bumrah looked completely at ease. He immediately tested Ben Duckett with his trademark movement, mixing deliveries that shaped away with sharp ones that curved back into the batter. Even though an early appeal was turned down, the pressure was obvious. He also struck Duckett on the hand with a rising delivery, forcing the England opener to receive medical attention twice.
The sustained pressure created by Bumrah eventually contributed to England’s mistakes. His only dismissal came when he removed the dangerous Harry Brook, earning his 150th ODI wicket. The delivery was not express pace, but its bounce and movement forced Brook into edging a straightforward catch to first slip.
While Bumrah finished with only one wicket from nine overs, his influence stretched well beyond the scorebook. He consistently attacked the ideal length, delivering 29 of his 54 balls in the challenging six to eight metre zone, making scoring extremely difficult for England’s batters.
Having not played since Mumbai Indians’ final IPL league match on May 20, Bumrah returned looking refreshed and confident. His performance proved that even after a lengthy break from ODI cricket, his remarkable skill, accuracy and ability to trouble world class batters remain as effective as ever.
