During the Leeds Test match at Headingley, England’s batters had some lucky breaks. Four catches were dropped off Jasprit Bumrah’s bowling in the first innings. Despite that, Bumrah remained calm and focused.
The Indian fast bowler didn’t show frustration. Instead, he smiled, covered his face with his cap, and got ready for the next ball.
Jasprit Bumrah will ALWAYS play cricket with a smile on his face. #ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/4kWcAHSFso
— Test Match Special (@bbctms) June 22, 2025
Speaking to reporters, Bumrah said, “I play cricket to enjoy myself. That’s why I smile when I’m on the field.”
Even though fielders dropped multiple chances off his bowling, Bumrah didn’t blame anyone. He took five wickets in the innings and chose to be understanding instead.
He said, “No one drops catches on purpose. Everyone is trying their best. Sometimes the weather and the ball make it harder to see, especially here in England.”
Bumrah added that mistakes happen in cricket and he doesn’t let them affect his mindset. “I try to forget quickly and move on so that my next spells are not affected,” he explained.
England scored 465 runs in reply to India’s first-innings total of 471. By the end of Day 3, India was at 90/2, with a 96-run lead. KL Rahul was batting on 47 not out, while Shubman Gill — who scored a century earlier — was on six.
Also Read: “India Won’t Get This Chance Again”: Ganguly’s Urgent Warning to Gill
Bumrah commented, “The game is evenly poised. We have to bat well. The pitch is a bit tricky, so the upcoming play will be interesting.”
