As the Indian cricket team gets set for a five-match Test series against England, Jasprit Bumrah, in a recent interview with The Guardian, recalled his on-field battle with James Anderson during the 2021 Lord’s Test. This moment, which ignited a spark for the rest of the series, is a focal point in their preparations for the upcoming matches.

While talking about his Test career during the interview, the 30-year-old talked about the iconic 10-ball over that he bowled to England’s Anderson during India’s Test series in England. Apart from bowling four no balls in the over, Bumrah repeatedly bowled bouncers at Anderson, hitting him on the helmet, ribcage, and left hand, which led to a heated exchange of words between the two.

“I was tired, I thought the last wicket was there, I tried to push to bowl fast. I went up to him (mid-over), asked ‘Are you OK?’ and didn’t get a good response. So that brought back some young memories; trying to be the nice guy and it not being taken well. And it triggered the whole team,” Bumrah said.

Bumrah explained that during that specific over, he had gone to ask Anderson if he was “okay”, which was followed by a not-so good response by the now 41-year-old. Bumrah stressed that Anderson’s reaction was the sole reason that triggered him and the rest of the team, leading to intense and heated exchanges for the remainder of the match. It was India that bagged that Test by 151 runs.

“It was red mist but it was channelled. Fighting and playing is second nature to us; controlling that is self-taught,” Bumrah added.

On the other hand, the Indian yorker machine also made sure to praise the English fast bowler for the longevity and tenacity that he has shown for the England Test side. Moreover, Bumrah went on to say that it was Anderson who had inspired him during his younger days as a cricketer.

“A lot of credit to (Anderson), I can genuinely say I’ve been watching him since I was a child. It’s credit to him (he is still playing at 41), a testament to his hunger and passion. It’s one thing having helpful conditions but to keep doing all that preparation. Skill, technique can be learned, but the will to keep going, that’s a big big tick for me,” Bumrah said.

Both Bumrah and Anderson have been one of the most iconic bowlers for the respective sides in Test cricket, which is evident through their numbers. The two experienced bowlers will look to carry on the same form as they face each other in the Test series, with the first match on Thursday, January 25 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad.