Indian speed leader Jasprit Bumrah should play the second Test of the current five-match away series against England, according to former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin. In the first match at Headingley, Leeds, the home team won by five wickets after successfully chasing down a target of 371 runs in the last innings.
Because of workload management, Jasprit Bumrah is probably only going to play in three of the series’ games. With India behind 0-1 in the rubber, Ashwin believed that the ace speedster’s availability for the second Test became vital.
In his YouTube video (starting at 17:51), Ashwin suggested that the Gautam Gambhir-led team management make one lineup alteration by adding left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav:
“Considering we are 1-0 down, I’d ask Bumrah to play the second Test, and try to get even in the series, and then he can take the break. Since there is a considerable break between the 3rd and 4th Test, he can take rest then, and play the 2nd Test. I’ll just bring Kuldeep in, and not do any other changes.”
Ravichandran Ashwin
The standout bowler in England’s opening innings was Bumrah. He was the visitors’ only fighter. In the format, the 31-year-old took five wickets for the fourteenth time. India’s prospects of defending the target were severely hampered by his continued wicketlessness in the run chase.
Ravichandran Ashwin continued, praising Bumrah’s effort:
“There have been many batting greats from India who have been elevated to a god-like status in our country. We haven’t lifted him up to that level, yet. But what a performer he is! What a skilful bowler!”
Ravichandran Ashwin
It’s unclear whether Bumrah will be rested for the forthcoming second Test. Edgbaston, Birmingham, will host the game from July 2–6.
“Has to play the bankable role” – Ravichandran Ashwin urges Mohammed Siraj to support Jasprit Bumrah
In the first match, Jasprit Bumrah was not given enough encouragement by the other Indian bowlers. Mohammed Siraj needs to take charge and relieve some of the strain on Bumrah, according to Ravichandran Ashwin.
He recommended that Siraj make sure the English batsmen are unable to score runs easily, even if he doesn’t take any wickets. In the same video, Ashwin said:
“My only question is to Siraj… can you just dry up the run flow? You don’t have to pick up wickets, but can you not give away 4 or 5 runs in every over? The thing is, if runs are being leaked, then you have to bring Bumrah back into the attack. How many dams will Bumrah be able to construct? Also, he gets tired, and his spells are pushed, and by then, partnerships are forged. Or you’d have to go with (Ravindra) Jadeja, who has to step in to stem the flow of runs. Prasidh (Krishna) is playing for the first time, and he is inexperienced. So, Siraj has to play the bankable role.”
Ravichandran Ashwin
“But if Siraj is going to continue his style, and Prasidh is also going to leak runs, then you need someone to come in and play the holding role. You can’t go to Jadeja for this role. That’s why I think it is a crucial factor.”
Ravichandran Ashwin
Mohammed Siraj’s performance at Headingley was lackluster. In the first innings, he took two wickets for England, but in the second essay, he did not take a single scalp.
