Even as the wheels are coming off for the touring England side, Jasprit Bumrah came up with a cheeky dig at their much-talked-about Bazball approach during the 3rd Test in Rajkot. On Sunday, England were on the back foot as they lost early wickets after having been set a daunting target of 557. As expected, the visitors looked to shun their aggressive approach and limit damage after they were reduced to 20 for 3 in the final session on Sunday.

It was the first time England tried to play Test cricket in an orthodox manner as they were unable to walk the Bazball talk. Ravindra Jadeja, the hometown hero, was spinning a web over the touring batters on a hot afternoon at the Niranjan Shah Stadium. It was a reality check for the boastful England side that had taken pride in chasing big totals in the final innings with their white ball-like batting approach in Test cricket.

Joe Root, who was slammed for his ill-timed reverse scoop in the first innings, was trying to hold one end and do what he did best in the 2021 tour of India. Giving him company was Jonny Bairstow, who was desperately trying to find some form in India.

The scorecard read 20-odd for 3 in the 10th over and Jasprit Bumrah rubbed salt into the wounds with a cheeky comment that was caught on the stump mic.

“Ab toh maar hi nahi rahe hai,” Bumrah said, taking a swipe at England’s inability to do what they promised, chase down 600 in the final innings in India.

Bumrah, who shies away from engaging in on-field duels with opposition players, did not hold back as England were reeling under the pressure.

Eventually, the tourists were bundled out for 122 in just 39.4 overs, losing the 3rd Test by 434 runs, their biggest defeat in terms of the margin of runs since World War II.

England found success with their Bazball approach in the first Test, stunning India in Hyderabad as they overcame a 190-run first innings deficit.

However, in Vizag and Rajkot, India have found ways to douse the Bazball hype and hand England crushing defeats. Despite playing with a weakened side in Rajkot in the absence of Virat Kohli and KL Rahul, India registered their biggest win in the history of Test cricket in terms of margin of runs.

Incidentally, it was Jasprit Bumrah who proved to be Bazball’s kryptonite in the second Test in Vizag, rattling the England batters with his sensational spell of reverse swing bowling in the first innings. Bumrah finished the Vizag Test with figures of 9 for 81.

Despite the heavy defeat in Rajkot, England captain Ben Stokes promised that the tourists wouldn’t back away from their approach. Questions are being asked if England are doing the right thing by not being flexible, but Stokes was defiant and said England can win the series 3-2.

The next Test between the two sides will get underway in Rajkot from February 23.