India’s Test vice captain Jasprit Bumrah was in the queue to get a break for the IND vs ENG 3rd Test. However, the selectors and the team management are likely to postpone the plan to the 4th or 5th Test depending on the situation of the series. Now, Bumrah in all likelihood is set to feature in the Rajkot Test, starting Feb 15, barring any last-minute change.
BCCI Selection Committee was faced with the tough question of workload management vs IND vs ENG series. And even though a final call will be taken in Friday’s meeting, Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee understands the situation India are in. As per an ESPN Cricinfo report, Bumrah is ready to play in the 3rd Test.
The Jasprit Bumrah puzzle
The troubled injury history of Jasprit Bumrah, especially before a major tournament forced selectors to rethink strategies. The idea was to have Mohammed Siraj back while resting Bumrah. The pace spearhead will play the full IPL 2024 and then the T20 World Cup 2024. That necessitates a workload management plan.
However, with the series locked in at 1-1 after two matches, India are not in a comfortable position, especially with the injury crisis.
Virat Kohli remains unavailable while KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja missed the 2nd Test. To make matters worse. Shreyas Iyer has suffered an injury blow.
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And as the vice-captain of the team, Jasprit Bumrah has the additional responsibility to guide the ship. That’s one reason why Bumrah is likely to play in Rajkot.
Another aspect was Rajkot’s pitch. It is the best batting surface of the lot. However, there could be something for the pacers as well. And with 15 wickets in just two matches, Jasprit Bumrah has proved to be the difference so far. As the team heads to Rajkot, resting the top bowler makes little sense unless emergency.
Hence, as the India squad for the last three Tests will be out, Bumrah is likely to be there. A call on his rest in the following two Tests will be taken accordingly.
Editors pick
