Jasprit Bumrah delivered a brilliant performance in the first Test between India and England at Leeds. The Indian fast bowler picked up five wickets for 83 runs in 24.4 overs, including five maiden overs. His control and pace put England under pressure, and he led India’s attack with confidence.

One of Bumrah’s most intense battles during the innings was against Harry Brook, who narrowly missed his century. Brook scored 99 before Prasidh Krishna dismissed him.

Bumrah Believes ‘Fate’ Played a Role in Brook’s Dismissal

After the third day’s play, Bumrah spoke to reporters and said that luck may have influenced Brook’s knock. “I think fate had decided on 99 for him, because he got dropped a few times after (the no-ball) as well,” Bumrah said.

Brook had started the day in aggressive fashion. He smashed a six off Krishna in the first over and followed it with a classy cover drive for four against Bumrah.

However, when he was just one run away from a hundred—his ninth in Test cricket—he mistimed a pull shot off Krishna. The ball went straight to Shardul Thakur in the deep, ending Brook’s fine innings.

Brook Survives Close Calls Before Falling for 99

Brook had several lucky escapes. On Day 2, he top-edged a hook shot off Bumrah but was caught off a no-ball, which saved him from going out on zero. Then, on Day 3, Rishabh Pant dropped him on 46, missing a thin edge off Ravindra Jadeja.

Later, Yashasvi Jaiswal dropped Brook again on 82 at fourth slip, this time off Bumrah’s bowling.

Despite these missed chances, Bumrah praised Brook’s approach.
“But that is not to take away from him. He assessed the conditions well, he fancies his game and plays an aggressive style of cricket. He makes you think he can play an aggressive shot but he can shut up shop as well,” Bumrah said. “Full credit, he played really well and we’ll try to have better plans in the next innings,” he added.

England Stay Close to India’s Total

Thanks to Brook’s knock and support from other batters, England posted 465 runs, just six short of India’s first innings total of 471. By the end of Day 3, India had reached 90/2, leading England by 96 runs in their second innings.