The workload of Jasprit Bumrah has been a headache for the Indian team, with the star pacer set to miss one of the two remaining Tests against England. Before the tour began, head coach Gautam Gambhir had confirmed that Bumrah is going to miss two of the five matches as the management is not going to take any risk.
So far, India have featured Jasprit Bumrah twice- once in Headingley and the other at Lord’s- with the team losing both the matches. In Bumrah’s absence, Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep gave a spectacular performance and made great contributions in India beating England at Edgbaston.
Following India’s 22-run loss to England at the Lord’s, a number of reports have been making rounds that indicate Jasprit Bumrah being rested for the game in Old Trafford, Manchester- which is set to begin July 23rd. However, Sky Sports reported that Bumrah might feature in the Manchester Test as Indian side will aim to level the series.
On this topic, former England cricketer David Lloyd feels that Jasprit Bumrah might also need to play in the final Test if Indian side manages to level the series in Manchester. He also stated that if Bumrah plays in Manchester Test and England gets a lead of 3-1, then the pacer will not play the final match of the series.
However, David also stated that if Jasprit BUmrah plays in Manchester Test and India manage to level the series, then Bumrah will also feature in the last match at The Oval.
“It is what they’ve said and what the coach Gautam Gambhir said that he will play three out of the five Tests. So, he’s got a choice. There are two matches to go. He’s played two. If they are true to their words, he should play this next game at Old Trafford. But then, you know, they can manoeuvre that, can’t they? If he plays this next one at Old Trafford and they get a result to make it 2-2, you’d think he’d play at The Oval as well. I’m second-guessing, but I think he’ll play this next game and see where they are. If England go 3-1, he won’t play. But if it’s 2-2, he will play at the Oval,” Lloyd told TalkSport Cricket.
David also took a cheeky dig towards Jasprit Bumrah, stating that India lost more matches when they feature Bumrah in their playing XI as compared to when he is not in the XI.
“That’s extraordinary. There was something that said when he plays they lose more than when he doesn’t play, and he is like the best bowler in the world. And he is awkward and nasty with his action, but a thoroughly decent fella,” he said.
If looking at the records, Indian team has a 20-23 win to loss ratio in the 47 Test matches that Jasprit Bumrah has played since his debut in 2018.
