'This is a courageous appointment': Australian legend lauds India's decision to make Jasprit Bumrah captain

Before the start of the rescheduled fifth Test match between India and England, the Men in Blue suffered a blow after captain Rohit Sharma became unavailable after testing positive for COVID-19. Regular vice-captain KL Rahul also suffered a groin injury. So India handed the captaincy reins to fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah, making him India's first fast bowling captain in Tests since Kapil Dev in 1987.

Even though, India lost the Test Match, Bumrah had a sensational outing. He broke Brian Lara's record of most runs in a single over in Test history when he smashed 29 runs off Stuart Broad. With the ball, Bumrah took three crucial wickets in the first innings and two wickets in the second innings. Bumrah also took a sensational catch to dismiss Ben Stokes in England's first innings.

In his column for ESPNCricinfo, former Australian batting legend Ian Chappell has lauded India's decision to make Jasprit Bumrah captain calling the decision courageous. "Perhaps looking to emulate the success of captains Pat Cummins and Stokes, India appointed fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah as captain for their current Test with England. This is a courageous appointment and speaks volumes for Bumrah’s on-field nous. His leadership battle with Bumrah will be a fascinating sidelight to what will be an entertaining game," he wrote.

Ben Stokes has had a fantastic start to his captaincy career as he sealed a Test whitewash against World Test Champions New Zealand, and now secured an important win against India. Pat Cummins, another fast bowling captain, also had a successful beginning to his stint with the Ashes 2021 win, and most recently won series against Pakistan and on course for a whitewash against Sri Lanka.

Ian Chapell also wrote that the success of fast bowling Test captains should not come as a surprise. "“Like with Stokes, no one should be surprised by Cummins’ success. He leads a varied attack that contains very good bowlers and he utilizes them wisely. It also doesn’t hurt that Nathan Lyon is a very experienced and long-time spinner. Handling opposition assaults and not spreading fields senselessly is one sure way to gain an advantage in Test cricket,” he added.