India’s fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah had an interesting take on England’s Harry Brook getting out for 99 at Headingley on Sunday. He mentioned that maybe it was fate that played a role in it, especially since it was a thrilling Test match. Brook started strong, hitting Prasidh Krishna for six right away and then sending Bumrah’s delivery for a lovely four. But just when he was close to scoring his ninth century, which would have been only his second at home, he pulled a ball from Krishna into the hands of Shardul Thakur in the outfield.
Brook had a solid innings but also got a bit lucky. He almost went out for a duck when he was caught off a slip against Bumrah, but a no-ball saved him. On Sunday, he was also dropped twice while on 46 and 82, with Rishabh Pant missing a thin edge off Ravindra Jadeja and then Yashasvi Jaiswal dropping a catch at slip while Bumrah was bowling.
Brook’s effort helped England reach 465, just six runs behind India’s first innings, where Bumrah stood out as India’s best bowler, taking 5 wickets for 83 runs. By the end of the third day, India was leading by 96 runs with a score of 90-2, keeping the match very much on edge.
Bumrah said, I think fate decided on 99 for him, especially since he got dropped a few times earlier. He praised Brook’s approach, saying he knows how to read the game well and play aggressively when needed. “He played really well, and we’ll come up with better plans next time,” Bumrah added.
Ollie Pope, who scored 106 after starting the day on 100, noted that Brook was upset about becoming the 14th England player dismissed for 99 in Test history.