Jasprit Bumrah, the world’s No. 1 Test bowler, is eagerly looking forward to India’s upcoming tour of England, where he aims to exploit the swinging conditions with the Dukes ball. The tour begins with a warm-up game from June 13 to 16, followed by the first Test at Headingley, Leeds, from June 20 to 24.
In a candid conversation with former Australia captain Michael Clarke on the Beyond23 YouTube channel, Bumrah expressed his excitement about bowling in English conditions.
Bumrah’s Love for the Dukes Ball and English Conditions
“Playing in England is always a different challenge,” Bumrah said. “I always love bowling with the Dukes ball.”
However, he acknowledged that the behavior of the ball has evolved over the years.
“I don’t know how much the Dukes ball is doing right now because there’s always constant changes to the ball. But the weather, the swinging conditions… and then when the ball becomes soft, there’s always a challenge. So, I always look forward to playing in England.”
This will be Bumrah’s third bilateral Test series in England, having previously featured in the 2021 tour and the World Test Championship (WTC) final against New Zealand in 2023. In his eight Tests in England so far, he has taken 37 wickets at an average of 23.78, making him India’s most successful pacer in recent tours.
India’s Pace Attack Ready for England’s Aggressive Batting
Bumrah will lead an Indian pace attack that includes Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, and Arshdeep Singh. He believes that England’s ultra-aggressive ‘Bazball’ approach could play into India’s hands.
“They’re playing an interesting style of cricket, which is intriguing because I don’t really understand it too much,” Bumrah admitted. “But as a bowling unit, we always feel confident that when the batters are being ultra-aggressive, on a given day, anybody could run through and get wickets.”
The five-Test series will be played across 46 days (June 20 to August 4) at:
- Headingley, Leeds (1st Test)
- Edgbaston, Birmingham (2nd Test)
- Lord’s, London (3rd Test)
- Old Trafford, Manchester (4th Test)
- The Oval, London (5th Test)
However, Bumrah is unlikely to play all five matches, with chief selector Ajit Agarkar hinting at workload management.
Bumrah’s Target: 2028 Los Angeles Olympics
Beyond the England tour, Bumrah is excited about cricket’s inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
“Now, I’ve heard there’s Olympics in cricket coming as well, so that is something I’m really looking forward to,” he said. “Who would have thought cricket would become an Olympic sport? So, yeah, that’s something that excites me.”
At 34 years old in 2028, Bumrah could be a key figure in India’s Olympic campaign if he maintains his fitness.
Workload Management: Bumrah’s Approach to Longevity
With a packed schedule over the next nine months—including the 2026 T20 World Cup—Bumrah emphasized the importance of smart workload management.
“Obviously, it is tough for any individual to keep playing everything for so long,” he said. “I’ve been doing it for a while, but eventually, you have to understand where your body is going, what is the important tournament.”
He revealed that he no longer sets rigid goals, instead focusing on enjoying the game and collecting memories.
“You have to be a little selective and smart about how you use your body. As a cricketer, I would never want to leave anything and always keep on going. But I don’t set goals or look at numbers. Whenever I have [set goals], I’ve never been able to fulfil them.”
“I just try and enjoy because that’s why I started [playing] this sport. Take one day at a time and collect memories because, at the end of the [career in] sport, that’s all I’ll remember.”
Conclusion: Bumrah’s Dual Focus – England & Beyond
As India prepares for a grueling England tour, Jasprit Bumrah remains a vital cog in the team’s bowling attack. His ability to thrive with the Dukes ball, combined with his strategic mindset against England’s aggression, will be crucial.
Beyond Tests, his eyes are set on cricket’s Olympic debut in 2028, showcasing his long-term passion for the game. With careful workload management, Bumrah aims to extend his career while continuing to deliver match-winning performances.