Jasprit Bumrah is that rare beast of international cricket: David Lloyd

Former England player David Lloyd has applauded Jasprit Bumrah for his stunning spells as batters find it 'awkward' to face him. 

Bumrah, who is currently leading India in the rescheduled fifth Test against England at Edgbaston, has been one of the best bowlers recently. He made his Test debut in 2018 and has taken fifers in England, Australia and South Africa.

In his column for the Daily Mail, Lloyd added that Bumrah is in the category of fast-bowling captains. However, he also feels that the right-arm pace bowler's combination of unique action and speed is what batters find challenging.

He wrote, 

"Jasprit Bumrah is that rare beast of international cricket - a fast-bowling captain," said Lloyd. "I can't think of too many over the years - Bob Willis, Pat Cummins. Bumrah is high-quality and must be so awkward to face. His arms are stiff; the batsman doesn't get a clear view of the ball due to the quirkiness of his action, and then he releases it at close to 90mph. He takes his wickets at spit."

In the ongoing Test at Edgbaston, Jasprit Bumrah has picked up the wickets of Alex Lees, Zak Crawley and Ollie Pope. The 28-year-old has also created the record for hitting the most runs in an over in Tests, taking Stuart Broad for 35 in his cameo of 31 off 16 balls as well.  

Meanwhile,  Lloyd also said that India is known for making great spinners and batters, but Virat Kohli's appointment as captain has seen the rise of fast bowlers.

He added: 

"India has evolved as a team over the decades. Once noted for world-class spin bowlers, their next phase took in world-class batsmen. Fast bowling was neglected until the late 1980s when Dennis Lilee launched the MRF Pace Foundation. When Virat Kohli came along, he realised his team had to take 20 wickets to win Tests. Their attack has become a potent force since (then)."

However, Team India is on the verge of their first Test series win in England since 2007, having taken a lead of 257 runs at Edgbaston with seven wickets to spare. Notably, they bowled England out for 284 after making 416 in the first innings. With two more days to go, Team India will try to win the game.