Jasprit Bumrah’s workload management will be the selection committee’s main talking point before announcing the squad for the final three Tests against England. As per Cricbuzz reports, it is learned that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will finalize the team in the next 24 hours.
It is learned that the selection committee initially decided to rest Jasprit Bumrah and play Mohammed Siraj in the next match. But this move did not surprise captain Rohit Sharma, coach Rahul Dravid and chief selector Ajit Agarkar ahead of the third match in Rajkot.
The Rajkot surface favors seamers more and hence coach Rahul Dravid and chief selector Ajit Agarkar are eager to play as pacers in the upcoming match. Furthermore, the pacer has been exceptional in the series as, despite the conditions favoring spin, he is the team’s leading wicket-taker with 15 scalps.
But his workload will be the main talking point for the selection committee, considering the injury problems he has had in the past. Jasprit Bumrah has bowled close to 58 overs in the two games and is behind Ravichandran Ashwin who has bowled close to 80 overs.
Reports added that the final decision related to Jasprit Bumrah playing in the third Test will be taken only after the team’s announcement. The pacer himself will first be asked if he wants to take the field in the third match, which is scheduled to take place from February 15.
Jasprit Bumrah played a key role in India winning the second game after a loss in the first match. The fast bowler took 6 wickets in the first innings and then followed it up with a four-wicket haul in the second innings. His heroics helped the team come back after a disappointing defeat in Hyderabad.
If vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah is rested for the third match, it will be a big blow for the team due to the kind of performances he has put in. No other leader in the team has been able to make a mark and the rest will now do so. It will also affect the quality of the team’s bowling for the third match.
Barring Jasprit Bumrah, reports provide updates on Virat Kohli, KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja
Apart from Jasprit Bumrah’s development, reports also gave a positive report on KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja. The duo got injured in the first game and then moved to the NCA for their recovery process, missing the second game in Vizag.
Reports claim that KL Rahul has recovered well and his return to the team is imminent. On the other hand, it is known that Ravindra Jadeja’s comeback will depend on the team management’s assessment of his hamstring injury.
Reports also suggested that Virat Kohli will miss the entire five-match Test series against England. The batsman opted out of the first two games, citing personal reasons. However, it is now reported that he has taken leave for the entire five-Test series due to a family emergency.