To manage the workload, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has released Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah from the IND vs ENG fourth Test match squad. The fourth test of the five-match series will be played at the CEJA Stadium in Ranchi from February 23, 2024. The hosts are currently leading the series 2-1 and achieved a resounding victory by 434 runs in the third match played in Rajkot.
Jasprit Bumrah is currently the series’ leading wicket-taker with 17 scalps behind his name. Bumrah has been in the best form of him in the ongoing Test series and BCCI wants him to stay away from the injuries for which he has been offered a break. While the BCCI gave Bumrah a break, the right-handed pacer was not in favor of it.
Jasprit Bumrah is not worried about his workload.
According to a Hindustan Times report, Jasprit Bumrah wanted to play all five Test matches of the series. The reason behind the same was the eight-day break after the second and fourth Test matches. However, the BCCI decided to give Bumrah a break.
Jasprit Bumrah stayed out of international cricket for almost a year due to his back injury. During this period, Bumrah played a few international matches but was not at his best. Since Bumrah returned to international cricket in 2023, he has come back like a beast. Bumrah has been brilliant with his pace and also his accuracy.
Jasprit Bumrah has once again started leading the Indian pace attack and has become almost unplayable for the opposition batsmen. Bumrah was the fourth highest wicket-taker in the ODI World Cup 2023, where he managed to pick 21 wickets in 11 games.
The right-handed pacer also bowled crucial spells during the IND vs SA Test series and scored a fifty in the second innings of the second Test of the series. India was able to register its first Test victory at the Sahara Park Newlands in Cape Town.
On the other hand, Jasprit Bumrah took nine wickets during the second Test match of the IND vs ENG Test series and played an important role in India’s 106-run victory. However, the Indian bowling attack also features players like Mohammed Siraj, who took a four-wicket haul in the first innings of the third Test match and helped India restrict England despite their explosive start.
Now, when the series caravan moves to Ranchi, Mukesh Kumar, who has been included as Jasprit Bumrah’s replacement, is expected to be included in the side. Currently, Team India is the favorite in the five-match series. With a 2-1 lead in the series, the hosts will look for success in Ranchi. In the Rajkot test, the Indian team has scored in all departments.
However, England will also focus on making a strong comeback in the series and bringing the score down to 2-2. But it will be difficult for them, since until now they depended on the individual performance of the players.