IRE v IND, 1st T20I: Jasprit Bumrah makes sensational return to international cricket, picks 2 wickets in first over
Jasprit Bumrah could not have asked for a better start to his return to international cricket as the India captain rattled Ireland in his very first over in the first T20I of the 3-match series in Dublin on Friday, August 18. Bumrah picked up 2 wickets in a sensational first over as the returning star pacer oozed confidence.
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Opening the bowling after winning the toss as captain at The Village, Jasprit Bumrah looked as confident as ever and brought out the fighting spirit in him. In his first over in competitive cricket since September 2022, Bumrah conceded a boundary as Ireland opener Andrew Balbirnie clipped one bowled on his pads to the boundary.
However, Jasprit Bumrah got the wicket of Balbirnie in just his second delivery of the match with an inswinger. It was a good length delivery that Balbirnie edged it to the stumps.
Bumrah brought out his trademark celebration as he punched the air in delight while wearing that smile on his face.
In the fourth delivery of the over, Bumrah had his second wicket as wicketkeeper Lorcan Tucker attempted a paddle sweep and managed to give an easy catch to wicketkeeper Sanju Samson.
Bumrah finished his first over with figures of 4 for 2 as he gave the entire nation, including the Indian team management, plenty of joy and relief ahead of the big tournaments in the coming months – Asia Cup and the World Cup.
umrah’s injury woes began in August 2022 when he first injured his lower back, ruling him out of the 2022 Asia Cup. Despite making a brief return in September for two T20Is against Australia, he was forced to withdraw again due to persistent pain. His injury escalated into a stress fracture of the back, which led to him missing out on several crucial tournaments, including the 2022 T20 World Cup and the 2023 IPL.
In March 2023, Bumrah underwent successful back surgery in New Zealand’s Christchurch. The operation, known as microscopic or endoscopic discectomy, was aimed at treating his slipped disc. Post-surgery, Bumrah was advised to start his rehabilitation six weeks later, marking the beginning of a meticulous recovery process.
During his recovery, Bumrah spent significant time at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru. He focused on seeking solutions rather than succumbing to difficult circumstances, viewing his time off the field as an opportunity for personal growth and self-improvement. His interactions with visiting teammates and other players at the NCA kept his spirits high, while he respected the recovery process and gave his body the time it needed to heal fully.
