Bhuvneshwar Kumar acknowledges Praveen Kumar's role in his success in England

Bhuvneshwar Kumar in action during the 2nd Test at Lord’s

Bhuvneshwar Kumar was India’s most successful bowler at Lord’s, having taken 4-46 on Day 2 of the 2nd Test between England and India.

Going into Day 3, he’s one wicket short of getting a 5-wicket haul and his name written on the Lord’s honours board.

The last Indian bowler to achieve the feat was Praveen Kumar during India’s previous tour to England in 2011.

Praveen had an outstanding series in 2011, taking 15 wickets in 3 Tests, even though India ended up being hammered 4-0 at the hands of England.

It’s no surprise then, that Bhuvneshwar sought the advice of his senior colleague from Uttar Pradesh before coming on this tour.

"Praveen Kumar is my idol and I have watched him a lot," Bhuvneshwar said. "I had a talk with him before I came here. He is like a big brother for me, and we play together for the same team. He still helps me with my bowling."

The 24-year old was proud of India’s efforts with the ball on Day 2 of the 2nd Test, as they did not give away easy runs to any of the English batsmen despite the pitch easing out, for the batsmen, as the innings progressed.

"The wicket became a bit easier for batsmen after the first session," Bhuvneshwar said. "We bowled in the right areas and kept them quiet. We did well to keep Ballance quiet, even his hundred was not an easy one. We didn't give any easy runs."

The younger Kumar bats at No.6 for his state Uttar Pradesh and enjoys a healthy batting average of 30.82 in first-class cricket.

He has slowly started showing his batting capabilities in Test cricket too. He made a pair of half-centuries in the 1st Test at Trent Bridge, and hung around to lend support to Ajinkya Rahane at a crucial time in the 1st innings at Lord’s,

"I have been enjoying batting in England," Bhuvneshwar said. "The partnership with Ajinkya was really satisfying. The ball was moving around, and we were in a bad situation, had lost seven wickets. So, from that point of view, it was a good effort and I think a better effort than in the first Test."