Mohammad Kaif alleged that Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer deliberately targeted Jasprit Bumrah with bouncers to cause injury during the Lord’s Test.
Mohammad Kaif Alleges Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer Tried to Injure Jasprit Bumrah at Lord’s
Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif made a shocking claim that England’s Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer deliberately plotted to injure India’s Jasprit Bumrah during Day 5 of the third Test at Lord’s. Despite Bumrah’s valiant batting effort in India’s final innings, Stokes eventually dismissed him, helping England secure a narrow 22-run victory and take a 2-1 lead in the five-match series.
Bumrah provided strong support to Ravindra Jadeja during his 54-ball innings as India threatened a chase of 193 despite losing eight wickets early.
On his YouTube channel, Kaif alleged that frustration within the England camp over India’s last-wicket stand led Ben Stokes and Archer to target Bumrah with a series of bouncers. According to Kaif, the plan was to either dismiss Bumrah or injure him to weaken India’s bowling attack ahead of the fourth Test in Manchester.
“Ben Stokes and Archer planned to bowl bouncers against Bumrah. If he doesn’t get out, hit him on the finger or shoulder to injure him. This stays in the mind of bowlers to injure the main bowler, whom our batters find tough to bat against. This was the plan, which worked later (to get him out),” Kaif said.
Will Bumrah play in Manchester?
Before the series began, India confirmed Jasprit Bumrah would be rested for two of the five Tests to manage his workload. Despite his outstanding performance in Leeds, Bumrah was rested in Birmingham, a decision that prompted experts to urge the team management not to bench him again.
After India’s loss at Lord’s, speculation about Bumrah’s availability resurfaced.
Former India head coach Anil Kumble, speaking to JioStar, made a strong plea for Bumrah’s inclusion in the upcoming Manchester Test. Kumble warned that without Bumrah, India’s chances of winning would diminish significantly, likely sealing their series defeat.
“If I’m part of that group, I would certainly push Bumrah to play the next game because that’s crucial. If he doesn’t play and you lose the Test, that’s it. Series is done and dusted. I think Bumrah should play both Tests. I know he said he’ll play only three, and there’s a long break after this. You don’t need to play the home series—you can rest then. But Bumrah should be playing the next,” Kumble said on Monday following the Lord’s Test.