Team India's fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah is unlikely to play in the upcoming second Test against England at Edgbaston as the team management looks to manage his workload across the long five-match series. Bumrah’s had bowler exceedingly well in the first Test at Headingley, where he claimed a five-wicket haul. But the ace fast bowler may be rested for the second Test starting July 2.
During Monday’s training session in Birmingham, Bumrah did not participate. However, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, Arshdeep Singh and Prasidh Krishna went through intense net sessions.
Bumrah was spotted in a prolonged conversation with India head coach Gautam Gambhir, sparking speculation about his availability for the crucial Edgbaston clash.
Bumrah’s first-innings heroics at Headingley elevated him to the top of the wicket-takers list among Asian bowlers in SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand, Australia) countries. He surpassed Pakistan legend Wasim Akram to claim that spot.
Gambhir: Bumrah not scheduled to play all 5 Tests
After India’s five-wicket loss at Headingley, Gambhir publicly confirmed that Bumrah was not scheduled to play all five Tests.
“It was already decided before the tour that he's going to play three Test matches,” Gambhir told reporters. "For us, managing Bumrah's workload is more important because there's a lot of cricket going forward."
While Gambhir added that the decision on which other two Tests Bumrah would play remained open, he stressed that there would be no change in the strategy despite India trailing 0-1 in the series.
Gavaskar, Pujara want to see Bumrah in all 5 tests
While Gambhir reiterated the importance of workload management, former India captain Sunil Gavaskar and senior batsman Cheteshwar Pujara recently expressed their desire to see Bumrah bowling in all five Tests, especially after his five-wicket haul at Leeds.
Who will be picked in place of Bumrah?
With Bumrah expected to sit out, Siraj and Prasidh are likely to retain their spots. The key selection decision now lies between Akash Deep and Arshdeep Singh.
If Arshdeep is picked, it will inject left-arm variety into the pace attack- something India has lacked in recent overseas Tests. Akash Deep, who last featured in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, also remains a strong contender, having impressed with his seam movement despite not picking many wickets.
Prakash Kumar Pandey