The second Test match against England at Edgbaston, which is set to start on Wednesday, June 2, is unlikely to include Indian quick Jasprit Bumrah. In order to manage his workload, former India head coach Ravi Shastri has recommended that the right-arm bowler forgo the game.
India is behind 0-1 in the five-match series, and skipper Shubman Gill and head coach Gautam Gambhir must make the tough choice of which of Bumrah’s remaining four Test matches to start. The necessity of properly managing Bumrah was emphasized by Shastri, who suggested that he be rested for the Edgbaston Test and return for the third game at Lord’s.
“Bumrah said he’ll play three Test matches. Now, which of the three he’ll play, that’s, you know, another question to be asked. I think if he takes a break, it’ll be the next one, because he’ll definitely want to play at Lord’s, right?” Shastri said on Sky Sports.
He added that Jasprit Bumrah would have the perfect opportunity to make an impression because the slope at Lord’s, the location of the third Test, naturally fits his bowling technique. Shastri did, however, caution that if Bumrah is rested now, India may enter the Lord’s 0–2 deficit, highlighting the challenging balancing act of controlling the speed spearhead’s fitness.
He went on to say that this is a part of a plan to keep Bumrah available for important games, which might include later series appearances at The Oval or Old Trafford.
And there’s a break, and then you go into Lord’s, then there’s a break, and then there’s a choice between Manchester and the same. It could be 2-0 down. So that is the problem. I think he has got to play,” Shastri added.
India had some things to take away from the first Test in Leeds, but they must work on strengthening their bowling as they prepare for the second Test in Birmingham. In the meantime, Jofra Archer has been added to England’s team for the second Test.
