Michael Atherton Offers England Captain Ben Stokes a Strategy to Play Jasprit Bumrah

Michael Atherton has stepped forward to provide crucial advice to current skipper Ben Stokes on how to effectively counter the formidable threat posed by Indian pace ace Jasprit Bumrah.

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Former England cricket captain and renowned cricket pundit Michael Atherton has stepped forward to provide crucial advice to current skipper Ben Stokes on how to effectively counter the formidable threat posed by Indian pace ace Jasprit Bumrah. Atherton, known for his tactical acumen and deep understanding of the game, commended Bumrah’s exceptional bowling prowess, acknowledging the challenge he presents to batsmen across the globe.

In his insightful analysis, Atherton highlighted a key aspect of Bumrah’s bowling technique that Stokes and the England team could potentially exploit. Atherton noted that Bumrah, despite his raw pace and accuracy, has been observed to “struggle to pick up pace” at times. This observation sheds light on a potential vulnerability in Bumrah’s bowling, which could be exploited by batsmen who can anticipate the length and pace of their deliveries early on.

By urging Stokes to focus on quickly discerning the length of Bumrah’s deliveries, Atherton’s advice aims to equip the England skipper with a strategic advantage in facing the Indian speedster. Armed with this insight, Stokes can better prepare himself and his team to confront Bumrah’s bowling onslaught with confidence and precision.

“Picking with the speed of the ball is tough with him and I’ve noticed with Stokes, even Stokes actually is an excellent player of fast bowling. He’s hurried with Bumrah. He struggles to pick up the pace, and a couple of times when he’s got him, it looks as though the ball has kept low, which has but it also almost beaten him for pace as well. I think that’s the issue with Bumrah,” Atherton told Sky Cricket.

The significance of Atherton’s guidance extends beyond mere technical advice; it underscores the intricate strategic battles that unfold within the realm of cricket. As England gears up to take on India in the upcoming matches, Atherton’s counsel serves as a valuable tool for enhancing the team’s tactical awareness and formulating a comprehensive game plan to tackle the challenges posed by Bumrah and the Indian bowling attack.

Atherton underscored Bumrah’s knack for delivering yorkers with pinpoint precision, leaving batsmen like Ollie Pope with little room to manoeuvre. “It was spectacular [yorker] wasn’t it? I don’t see what Pope could’ve done with that. It was an unbelievable image as Pope walked back,” he said.

In a sport where every minor advantage can make a significant difference, Atherton’s astute analysis may prove to be the key factor in determining England’s success against one of the world’s premier fast bowlers. As the cricketing world eagerly anticipates the thrilling showdown between England and India, all eyes will be on Ben Stokes as he seeks to implement Atherton’s strategic advice.