Hardik Pandya happy to fill 'big shoes' of Jasprit Bumrah in series decider against England

In the third ODI against England on Sunday, star pacer Jasprit Bumrah was not included in the Indian playing XI. The 28-year-old was ruled out of the game due to back spasms. In his absence, other bowlers had to step up to keep England under check, and they did it in style by bowling them out for 259 runs in 45.5 overs.

TN Sports Desk

Updated Jul 18, 2022, 11:19 IST

Hardik Pandya dimissed four English batters for 24 runs on Sunday (July 17).

Photo : AP

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

Hardik Pandya dismissed four English batters on Sunday.
His figures of 4 for 24 were his best in ODIs.
Jasprit Bumrah didn’t feature in the third match due to back spasms.

The third and final ODI of the three-match series between India and England was played in Manchester on Sunday (July 17). In the series-deciding contest, India were without the services of star pacer Jasprit Bumrah. The 28-year-old, who registered his career-best figures of 6 for 19 in 7.2 overs in the first ODI, was the leading wicket-taker in the series and his absence was a big setback to the Men in Blue.

But as the game started, his absence was never felt as first his replacement, Mohammed Siraj, rose to the occasion and got rid of Jonny Bairstow and Joe Root in the second over of England’s innings itself, and then later, Hardik Pandya joined the party to dismiss Jason Roy, Ben Stokes, Liam Livingstone and Jos Buttler to keep the hosts under check.

Pandya registered his best bowling figures of 4 for 24 in ODI matches and then starred with the bat as well, making a 55-ball 71. For his outstanding performance with the bat and ball in the entire series, the Baroda-based all-rounder won the Player of the Series award.

Speaking to reporters after India’s win, the star cricketer said that he was glad to help fill the "very big shoes" of Bumrah.

"It's always special to contribute in all departments," Hardik said.

"We knew Jasprit was not going to play this game. He was telling me that I might have to bowl a couple of overs at the death, I said they are 'very big shoes to fill'. I had to step up, not at the death, but in making sure that in the middle overs I got the breakthroughs," the all-rounder added.

According to Hardik, coming to England and winning a series is more important than thinking about what happened in the past.

"England have been fantastic throughout the last couple of years, everyone found England one of the best teams in the world. To come here and perform and win is more important."

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