India gained a major boost before the second Test versus England, as assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate announced that star fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah is fit for selection. The team management has not yet made a final decision regarding his participation in the Edgbaston Test starting on July 2.
The 31-year-old fast bowler, who took on a significant burden in the first Test at Headingley with 43.4 overs, is expected to play in just three of the five matches in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.
Bumrah’s participation in the second match has turned into a key discussion topic, particularly since India’s bowling attack performed poorly in the first Test, which India lost.
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‘He’s available for the game’
“Clearly, he’s available for the game. Since the start, we knew he will participate in only three of the five tets. He has had eight days to recover since the last Test. However, considering the circumstances, workload, and our assessment of how to manage effectively for the upcoming four games, we haven’t reached a decision on that,” Ten Doeschate stated.
India had lost badly at Headingley
Following a five-wicket loss in Leeds, concerns arise regarding Bumrah’s availability. The pacer delivered approximately 44 overs across both innings in the First Test and claimed five wickets in the first innings. There were claims that he might be rested for workload management purposes.
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Even after scoring five centuries in the first Test, Team India lost by 5 wickets owing to sloppy fielding and almost no support for Jasprit Bumrah from other bowlers.
India trail 1-0 in the series after not defending 371 in the opening Test. With doubts surrounding Bumrah’s availability, the bowling will appear significantly weaker. Conversely, star fast bowler Jofra Archer makes his comeback for England and is poised to play at Edgbaston.
