Jasprit Bumrah Explains Muted Lord’s Five-For Reaction: ‘I’m Not 21 Anymore’
Jasprit Bumrah delivered a masterful performance on Day 2 of the third Test at Lord’s, securing his place on the prestigious honours board with a brilliant five-wicket haul (5/74). His spell helped India dismiss England for 387 after lunch, but his uncharacteristically subdued reaction after claiming the fifth wicket raised eyebrows among fans and pundits alike.
Bumrah’s fiery morning burst dismantled England’s middle order, removing Ben Stokes, Joe Root, and Chris Woakes to shift the momentum firmly in India’s favor, reducing the hosts from 251/4 to 271/7. The five-for, his 15th in Test cricket, saw him surpass Kapil Dev’s record for the most overseas five-wicket hauls by an Indian bowler and marked his first inclusion on Lord’s iconic honours board. However, when he dismissed Jofra Archer to complete the milestone, there was no fist pump or smile just a quiet return to his mark.
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At the post-day press conference, Bumrah attributed his restraint to exhaustion. “I was tired. There was no happiness factor. I bowled for a long time, and sometimes I get tired,” he said. “I’m not 21-22 anymore to jump around. I was happy to contribute, but I just wanted to bowl the next ball.” His candid admission highlighted the physical toll of his relentless workload, despite being rested for the previous Test at Edgbaston.
Bumrah’s standout moment came earlier when he clean-bowled Joe Root with a searing delivery that jagged in to hit middle stump, marking the 11th time he’s dismissed the England star in Tests. His second five-for of the series underscored his status as India’s spearhead, blending pace, seam movement, and precision.
India ended the day at 145/3, with KL Rahul’s elegant unbeaten 53 anchoring the innings. Rishabh Pant, battling a finger injury, remained not out on 19 at No. 5. Jofra Archer, making a Test comeback after over four years, struck early, dismissing Yashasvi Jaiswal (13) in his opening over. Karun Nair’s composed 40 was cut short by a stunning one-handed catch from Joe Root at slip, while Shubman Gill, fresh off a twin-century at Edgbaston, fell for 16.