India fast-bowler Jasprit Bumrah admitted that he felt a bit unlucky after dismissing Harry Brook off a no-ball, but acknowledged that fate had played its part in denying the England batter a well-deserved hundred. Bumrah, who finished with a five-wicket haul in the first innings of the Headingley Test, lauded Brook’s intent and composure at the crease, even as the Englishman fell agonisingly short of a century on 99.
Brook was initially dismissed by Bumrah for a duck as he miscued a pull shot straight to the hands of the fielder at short mid-wicket. But replays confirmed that Bumrah had overstepped, handing Brook a reprieve. The 26-year-old made full use of the opportunity, adding 99 runs and guiding England through a tricky phase. However, his luck seemed to run out just one short of a hundred, as he became the victim of Prasidh Krishna’s short ball and holed out in the deep.
India’s fielding also played a role in Harry Brook’s extended stay at the crease. He was handed two more lives after the no-ball incident, both dropped catches, as the hosts allowed the pressure to ease. Jasprit Bumrah, though disappointed, acknowledged Brook’s ability to make India work for his wicket.
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Jasprit Bumrah Says Fate Stopped Harry Brook at 99
Speaking after the day’s play, Bumrah reflected on the series of events that led to Brook’s dismissal and the twists of fate that allowed him to get so close to the milestone.
"I think fate had decided on 99 for him, because he got dropped a few times after (the no-ball) as well," Bumrah said as quoted to the reporters after the end of Day 3.
He was quick to add that the England batter deserved credit for the way he constructed his innings.
"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. Full credit, he played really well and we’ll try to have better plans in the next innings," he added.
Brook’s knock, even though it ended one short of a century, was instrumental in narrowing India’s first-innings lead. England were bundled out at 465 as India managed to take only a six-run lead.
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"He Was Pretty Gutted" - Ollie Pope Reflects on Harry Brook’s Dismissal
England vice-captain Ollie Pope offered a glimpse into the emotions inside the dressing room after Brook’s dismissal, admitting that the latter was deeply disappointed to fall one short of a well-earned hundred.
"He was pretty gutted to get out. I think he’d either like to keep it down or hit it for six next time. He was as frustrated as anyone to get out but he plays that shot pretty well," Pope shared.
Pope was effusive in his praise for Brook’s innings, highlighting the attacking mindset.
"It was an unbelievable knock. Even the pull shot he hit in the first over of the day, I was like ‘where did that come from?’ Everyone knows what a fantastic player Harry is and to be able to put a guy like Jasprit Bumrah off his pace a little bit with a shot like that early on shows the confidence he has in his game," he stated.
At stumps on Day 3, the Test match is hanging in balance. India have lost Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sai Sudharsan but have managed to extend their lead to 96 runs with KL Rahul and Shubman Gill unbeaten.
