The appointment of Jasprit Bumrah as India’s stand-in Test captain is a “courageous decision” based on his “tactical wisdom”, and his duel with England captain Ben Stokes leading the side to an intriguing game in Birmingham. Providing, thinks the great Ian Chappell.
The former Australian captain compared various contemporary international captains, and observed that Stokes’ success as captain should come as no surprise to anyone as he understands the bowling.
Upon Bumrah’s appointment as captain, Chappell felt that the decision of the Indian cricket establishment may have been inspired by the success achieved by Australia’s Pat Cummins and Stokes.
“Maybe the captains want to emulate the success of Pat Cummins and Stokes, India Appointed pacer Jasprit Bumrah as captain for his current Test with England. It is a daring appointment and speaks volumes for Bumrah’s on-field vein,” Chappelle wrote in his column for ESPN Cricinfo.
“His leadership battle with Bumrah will be an entertaining game that will be an entertaining game,” Chappell wrote during the ongoing India vs England Test match in Birmingham.
On the appointment of Stokes, the famous Australian captain seemed happy.
“No one should be surprised by the success of Ben Stokes as captain. He is an all-rounder who understands bowling.
“His main priority on the field is wicket-taking, and despite Joe Root’s dazzling success as a batsman, Stokes remains England’s most inspiring player on the field.”
Chappell also cited Cummins’ recipe for success.
Like Stokes, no one should be surprised by the success of Cummins. He leads a varied attack that has very good bowlers and uses them wisely. It also doesn’t hurt that Nathan Lyon is a very experienced and long-time spinner,” he wrote.
“Part of Cummins’ success as captain comes from recognizing Australia’s ability to handle an opposition attack, and how he maintains his composure.
“Australia also have good enough batsmen to face a challenge, and their superiority helped them dismantle a weak Sri Lankan side this week.
“Handling opposition attacks and not spreading the field without thinking is a surefire way to take advantage in Test cricket.”
Chappell believes Stokes scores more as a captain than New Zealand World Test Championship winning captain Kane Williamson.
“This is one area where Stokes scored on New Zealand captain Kane Williamson. Fast bowler Trent Boult was the only New Zealander to maintain a semblance of control under attack, especially from the devastating Jonny Bairstow. The fact that Williamson had a very inexperienced spinner in the form of Michael Bracewell didn’t help.
“If a captain has a competitive team that believes in his methods, a lot of good things happen. Players expect, and as a result, produce a good result.”
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