Shubman Gill, captain of the Indian cricket team, has clarified Jasprit Bumrah’s status for the second Test in Birmingham, which starts on Wednesday. Bumrah performed best for India in the first Test against England.
After the first match, head coach Gautam Gambhir said that the team would stick to their plan of using Bumrah in only three matches. Though fans and former players suggested he play in all five Tests, Gambhir rejected this, stating they were focusing on managing his workload.
Gill mentioned that the final team selection would be decided after the last practice session. Bumrah is available. We need to think about workload management and finalize the combination after practice today, Gill told reporters at the pre-match press conference on Tuesday. We knew before the series that Jasprit would play three games, so we planned accordingly. Of course, we will miss him, but we have plans ready.
Earlier, India’s assistant coach, Ryan ten Doeschate, spoke about Bumrah, saying he is available but a decision on whether he will play is pending. Yes, he’s available for the game. We knew from the start he would only play three of the five matches. He has had eight days to recover since the last Test. Depending on the conditions, workload, and how we can best manage the next four games, we haven’t decided yet. We will also consider the workload of the other players. So, in short, he’s available, but we haven’t decided if he will play yet, Doeschate said at a press conference.
India included Bumrah in the first game at Headingley but lost. He impressed in the first innings with 5/83 but didn’t get any wickets in the second. With Bumrah less effective, England beat India by chasing down a 371-run target, their second-highest successful chase ever.