Bumrah and Cummins Eyeing Fast-Bowling Captaincy Success

Jasprit Bumrah and Pat Cummins, two of the world’s leading fast bowlers, are making their mark as Test captains. Traditionally, captaincy has been dominated by batters, but both Bumrah and Cummins are eager to prove the value of fast bowlers in leadership roles.

Bumrah, speaking before the first Test in Perth, said that being a bowler and captain allows him to manage himself better, knowing when to push and when to rest. He sees advantages in understanding the game’s intricacies, like pitch conditions and field placements, which give him an edge in making tactical decisions. “Bowlers do more research and data-driven work than batters,” he noted, highlighting the evolving nature of the game.

Bumrah’s leadership journey is unique, as India’s only other fast-bowling captain, Kapil Dev, was an all-rounder. Fast-bowling captains are rare, but figures like Shaun Pollock, Ben Stokes, and Jason Holder have paved the way. Bumrah is excited to follow in their footsteps, even if temporarily, with Rohit Sharma set to take over later.

Meanwhile, Cummins, who became Australia’s captain without much domestic experience, has led the team to significant success, including winning the World Test Championship, retaining the Ashes, and clinching the ODI World Cup. He admits it took some time to settle into the role, but now feels fully comfortable leading both as captain and bowler.

As both captains prepare for a thrilling series, they’re determined to show that fast bowlers can lead with the same authority and vision as any batter.