Ben Stokes says England batters won’t fear Jasprit Bumrah in five-match Test series

England captain Ben Stokes played down any fear factor in facing Jasprit Bumrah in the five-match Test series between the two nations. While Stokes admitted that Bumrah is one of the best in the business but his batters won’t take a backseat in taking him on.

Bumrah was at his best on the Australian tour, picking 32 wickets in five Test matches at an average of 13.06. But Bumrah suffered a back injury in the fifth Test at Sydney and thus could not bowl in the second innings.

In order to better manage his workload, chief selector Ajit Agarkar had earlier revealed that Bumrah won’t play all the five Test matches on England tour.

Stokes said ahead of the opening Test, “No fear. In international cricket, you come up against quality opposition all the time. We know his class and what he brings to any team he plays for, but in terms of fear, definitely not. I don’t think one bowler alone is going to win the series for either team. All 11 [players] have to stand up. I don’t think there is just one person in either team holding the key to success.”

On the other hand, Bumrah revealed he would take one Test match at a time and he is looking to play at least three Test matches against England.

Bumrah said on Sky Cricket, “[We will] plan on the go. Three Test matches is what I’m looking at. Obviously that number is not decided. First [Test] is definitely on, that is going to happen. The rest we’ll see how things are, what is the workload, what are the scenarios going on. Three Test matches is what I can manage at this moment. And I don’t want to be in a desperate scenario.”

The opening Test match between India and England will be played at Leeds, Headingley, from June 20 onwards.