The Indian team has been carefully managing Jasprit Bumrah’s workload, and he’s expected to sit out one of the remaining two Tests against England. Before the series began, Indian team leader Gautam Gambhir said that Bumrah would miss two of the five matches because the management, along with Bumrah, were cautious about overdoing things.
Bumrah has played in two of the three games so far, both of which India lost at Headingley and Lord’s. Without him, Akash Deep and Mohammed Siraj had great performances that helped India defeat England at Edgbaston.
Following India’s loss to England at Lord’s, there were reports that Bumrah might rest for the match in Manchester, starting July 23.
Sky Sports said Bumrah will likely play in Manchester, as India badly want to tie the series before the final game at The Oval.
David Lloyd, a former England player, thinks Bumrah might also play in the final Test if India ties the series in Manchester.
Lloyd told TalkSport Cricket that because Gambhir had said Bumrah would play three out of five Tests, he should play the next game at Old Trafford. But if he plays at Old Trafford and they win to make it 2-2, he would also play at The Oval. If England wins 3-1, he won’t play, but if it’s 2-2, he will play at the Oval.
Lloyd also commented on Bumrah, saying India loses more games when he plays.
He said it’s strange that they lose more when he plays, even though he is one of the best bowlers. He also said that Bumrah bowls in an unusual, tough style but is a good guy.
Since his first game in 2018, the team has a 20-23 record in the 47 Tests Bumrah has played.