81 All Out - A Cricket Podcast · 81 All Out

Awesome Bumrah helps India draw level: India v England, 2nd Test review

February 6, 2024·1 hr 19 min·5 clips

Jasprit Bumrah's nine-wicket haul in a home Test showcases a fast bowler dominating on a spinner's pitch.

This episode analyzes India's 106-run victory over England in the second Test at Visakhapatnam, leveling the series 1-1. Host Siddhartha Vaidyanathan is joined by regular panelists Mahesh, Ashoka, and Kartikeya, who provide experienced cricket analysis. The discussion centers on the match's key performances and the broader tactical battle between the teams. Yashasvi Jaiswal scored a double century, while Shubman Gill hit a crucial hundred after surviving several close calls. England's Zak Crawley played two fine innings, showing excellent balance and defense. The panel unanimously highlights Jasprit Bumrah as the series' standout, taking nine wickets with reverse swing, yorkers, and masterful control. James Anderson also bowled superbly, taking key wickets in a short spell. The panel notes India's team is in transition, missing stalwarts like Kohli, Pujara, and Shami, while senior spinners are aging. England's inexperienced spin attack of Rehan Ahmed, Tom Hartley, and Shoaib Bashir collectively took 15 wickets. The pitch in Visakhapatnam did not deteriorate significantly, unlike the surface in Hyderabad. A major insight is that Bumrah's bowling, not India's batting, is the primary difference between the sides. The panel debates whether England's 'Bazball' approach significantly altered this match, noting the team played few sweep shots and Crawley batted conventionally. They argue 'Bazball' may only provide a marginal benefit when England has a superior attack. Kartikeya suggests the excitement around 'Bazball' stems partly from its role in revitalizing interest in Test cricket within England. Ashoka observes that both teams' aggressive batting, unlike previous eras, prevented a draw on a relatively flat pitch. The panel contrasts Ollie Pope's lucky but unnoticed innings in Hyderabad with Gill's fortunate but controlled century in this Test. The conversation questions why Stokes removed Anderson after a threatening four-over spell in India's second innings. Mahesh points out that 'Bazball' shifts accountability, making it harder to blame a player like Joe Root for an attacking dismissal. The tone is conversational, analytical, and often humorous, featuring friendly debates among knowledgeable peers. This episode will appeal to cricket fans seeking deep tactical analysis of the ongoing series and the 'Bazball' phenomenon. Listeners preferring pure match narration or those unfamiliar with Test cricket's nuances might find it less engaging.

As heard by us

Bumrah's control anchors a sharp discussion of India's 106-run win.

The discussion keeps India's 106-run win over England in Visakhapatnam in view, and it does well to hold onto the uncertainty that lingered until late, even with Yashasvi Jaiswal's double hundred and Shubman Gill's hundred already in place.

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Why you'd press play

You want the story behind India's 106-run win in Visakhapatnam, where Bumrah, Jaiswal, and a tied 1-1 series sit at the center.

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