Ex-England Star Criticizes Jasprit Bumrah's Impact On India's Test Performance
The Indian star player Jasprit Bumrah has been quite a bit more in the headlines compared to other players; the reason is for sure his performance, but with that, the main thing is his workload management. Before the start of the series only, Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir confirmed that Bumrah will be missing two of the five games in England as the management does not want to take any risk, as he is an expensive asset for the team. Till now, Bumrah has appeared in two matches out of three, and those two came in a losing cause at Headingley and Lord's.
In his absence at the Edgbaston Test, Akash Deep and Mohammed Siraj led the pace attack very smoothly, which resulted in the first win of Team India in the series. By winning the second test, the team created history by beating England at the venue where the previous Indian team had never won a test.
After India's 22-run loss to England at Lord's last week, reports are circulating over the internet that Bumrah might be rested for the fourth test at Manchester's Old Trafford, which is to commence on July 23.
To all this, former England cricketer David Lloyd feels that Bumrah might play the final test if India becomes successful in leveling the series in Manchester.
He said,
"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 maneuver 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 goes 3-1, he won't play. But if it's 2-2, he will play at the Oval."
Further, he said that India loses more games when Bumrah is part of the playing XI.
He said,
"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 actions but a thoroughly decent fellow."