JASPRIT Bumrah has made a stunning return to international cricket, taking two wickets in his first over back with the India team.
The fast bowler, who has been the spearhead of the side’s bowling attack across formats in recent years, was coming off 11 months on the sidelines with a stress fracture in his lower back.
SportsfileJasprit Bumrah has made a stunning return to international cricket after an 11-month injury break[/caption]
He picked up two wickets in the first over of today’s T20I match against IrelandTwitter/ @mufaddal_vohra
Bumrah, 29, made his comeback in the first of a three-match T20I series against Ireland.
Captaining the side for only the second time in any format and the first in T20Is, Bumrah won the toss and elected to field first in Malahide.
The decision proved to be a good one as he took the new ball first up.
A loose start saw Ireland opener Andy Balbirnie nudge the first ball behind square for four, but the Indian paceman had him out the very next delivery as he edge a nip-backer onto the stumps.
Two dot balls followed before Bumrah, nicknamed Boom Boom, had Lorcan Tucker caught behind, while a third dot ball rounded out a stunning comeback over.
From there, his squad made the most of a strong start, with Ireland held to 139/7 with only number eight Barry McCarthy passing 50.
There were two wickets apiece for Bumrah, Prasidh Krishna and Ravi Bishnoi, while Arshdeep Singh claimed one.
At time of writing, India are hot favourites to win, sitting at 47/2 off just 6.4 overs.
Social media erupted with praise for Bumrah’s impressive exploits in his first match back.
One wrote: “What an excellent comeback and captaincy by Jasprit Bumrah.
“A thinking, talented fast bowler who knows how to lead the side.”
Another added: “Jasprit Bumrah is back. India cricket is back, Indian cricket fans are happy.
“A champion in this generation.”
Meanwhile, a third gushed: “This is pure art and Jasprit Bumrah is an artist.”
Bumrah, who made his international debut in 2016, is renowned as one of the best fast bowlers in the world across all formats.
In just 30 tests he has 128 wickets at an average of 21.99 as well as 256 at 21.54 in 210 T20s and 121 at 24.30 in 72 ODIs, before adding to his tally today.
He is best known for his unusual action, a result of learning to bowl in his garden at home with limited space, and searing pace in excess of 90mph.
SportsfileHe is captaining the side for the first time as they tour Ireland[/caption]