The Oval Renaissance
The Times of India Delhi|September 07, 2021
Bumrah Leads Stirring Bowling Show As India Post First Test Win At Iconic Ground In 50 Years
Partha Bhaduri
The Oval Renaissance

This time it wasn’t the elephant which came to the Oval, as it had in 1971.

Instead it was a snarling, growling wolf pack of an Indian seam-bowling unit, fearsome and imposing in its presence, unrelenting in its ferocity, savage in its bite and capable of sniffing out the last whiff of panic in the opposition ranks.

Half a century between victories at this iconic ground has been time enough for a complete metamorphosis in the way India approach their cricket. Now the Oval will, following India’s enthralling 157run win in the fourth Test on Monday, stand forever testimony to this tectonic shift under Virat Kohli.

By the time the slowish but effective Shardul Thakur, the most unlikely addition to this pace pack, got Joe Root to drag one back onto the stumps with the old ball, it was already game over for England, who eventually fell for 210 chasing 368. It would be a matter of a few more overs before the last vestiges of resistance would be snuffed out from the hosts.

There was no Shami. No Ishant. But the sensational Jasprit Bumrah (2/27 off 22 blistering overs), the chief whip of this attack, was a one-man army on the last day, a conductor in complete control of his formidable abilities.

Now the fastest Indian pacer to 100 Test wickets (24 Tests), Bumrah showed just why he is lethal in the fourth innings by breaking England’s back in a six-over reverse-swinging burst after lunch.

He was aided and abetted by Ravindra Jadeja (2/50) spearing it into the rough from the other end and getting the wickets of Moeen Ali and Haseeb Hameed. Bumrah, whose second spell read 6-3-6-2 and the wickets of Pope and Bairstow, was something else entirely: an engine of destruction on a flat and docile surface.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM THE TIMES OF INDIA DELHIView all
Song and dance there, but where is Brazil's soul?
The Times of India

Song and dance there, but where is Brazil's soul?

From swooning over the twirling foot of Richarlison the other day, to fretting over the ankle of Neymar, it is back to business for Brazil. Gone is the exultation to dance and express themselves.

time-read
3 mins  |
November 28, 2022
Marriott to reach 200-hotel mark in India by 2025 from current 134
The Times of India

Marriott to reach 200-hotel mark in India by 2025 from current 134

American hospitality major Marriott International — the group with the largest number of branded hotel rooms in India at about 26,000 — has drawn up very ambitious growth plans for the country.

time-read
1 min  |
November 28, 2022
India's visually-impaired players dribble, debate on and off field
The Times of India

India's visually-impaired players dribble, debate on and off field

Take 20-year-old Shivam Negi for instance. A member of the national blind football team, Negi along with three other NIEVPD students is ardently following the matches by listening to live commentary.

time-read
1 min  |
November 28, 2022
SIPS eating into luxe car sales: Merc
The Times of India

SIPS eating into luxe car sales: Merc

‘MF Investments Reducing Disposable Incomes Of Indians’

time-read
1 min  |
November 28, 2022
Fury's Ground Xiro
The Times of India

Fury's Ground Xiro

Xi's zero-Covid policy has angered ordinary Chinese as never before. A dangerous moment for the state

time-read
3 mins  |
November 28, 2022
Trump faulted for dinner with white nationalist, rapper Ye
The Times of India

Trump faulted for dinner with white nationalist, rapper Ye

The sportswear manufacturer has also launched a probe into his conduct.

time-read
1 min  |
November 28, 2022
Blank sheets of paper become symbol of defiance
The Times of India

Blank sheets of paper become symbol of defiance

Chinese protesters have turned to blank sheets of paper to express their anger over Covid-19 restrictions.

time-read
1 min  |
November 28, 2022
Can't deny mediclaim to a vegetarian, insurer told
The Times of India

Can't deny mediclaim to a vegetarian, insurer told

Dietary Habit Not Patient’s Fault: Consumer Body

time-read
1 min  |
November 28, 2022
Thakur: Will host 'grand Olympics' in Gujarat in future
The Times of India

Thakur: Will host 'grand Olympics' in Gujarat in future

Union sports minister Anurag Thakur on Sunday said Gujarat will host a “grand Olympics” sporting event in the future.

time-read
1 min  |
November 28, 2022
Will restore old pension scheme in Guj: Kejriwal
The Times of India

Will restore old pension scheme in Guj: Kejriwal

He also urged government employees in the state to back AAP while promising implementation of the old pension scheme for them by January 31, 2022.

time-read
1 min  |
November 28, 2022