Have no fear of Bumrah, a bold statement from Skipper Stokes

Ben Stokes, the captain of England, has sent a strong message as the high-stakes five-match Test series between India and England approaches: his team has "no fear" of India's pace leader Jasprit Bumrah.

In international cricket, the England captain emphasised that his side always meets strong opposition and that, although they respect their opponents, they should not be afraid of them.

Stokes acknowledged Bumrah's elite credentials at a media appearance prior to the start of the series, but he was adamant that no one player could control the outcome of a lengthy series. According to the all-rounder, "We know his class and what he brings to any team he plays for, but in terms of fear—definitely not".

Stokes started by saying, ” A lot is said about no Rohit, no Virat, no Ashwin. That doesn’t mean whoever will replace them will be easier to bowl or bat against. Three massive names, done wonderful things for the country.” For now, India has named Sai Sudharsan and Karun Nair as their replacements, but it has to be seen how they turn up on the big stage.

India's only fighter in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series was Jasprit Bumrah. He was the captain of the team during the one Test match that India won in that series. Bumrah participated in all five Test matches during the sweltering Australian summer and persisted in fighting even when the Indian batsmen failed to live up to his expectations.

Bumrah's record versus England is excellent, particularly when it comes to the red ball format. He has taken 60 wickets at an average of 26.27 against the hosts in his 14 appearances thus far. Stokes has frequently been tormented by the right-arm pacer, particularly when he bowls from around the wicket. Stokes played against Jasprit Bumrah in 2024, the last time the English team visited India, and he had no idea what to do.

Given that India has recently had difficult times in Test cricket, the series is quite important to them.

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