Key Points

Ravi Shastri has cautioned India against resting Jasprit Bumrah in the second Test after England's stunning chase at Headingley. Bumrah was India's standout bowler with a five-wicket haul, but the rest of the attack struggled. Gautam Gambhir insists on sticking to Bumrah's workload plan despite calls to play him in all five Tests. The debate highlights India's bowling concerns ahead of the Birmingham Test.

Key Points: Shastri Warns Against Resting Bumrah After England Test Defeat

  • Bumrah took 5/83 in first innings but went wicketless in chase
  • Gambhir insists on workload management for Bumrah
  • Shastri warns against resting Bumrah in next Test
  • India's other bowlers struggled with 9/482 combined
2 min read

Shastri cautions India about resting Bumrah in second Test against England

Ravi Shastri urges India to reconsider resting Jasprit Bumrah in the second Test after England's record chase at Headingley.

"If he was looking at a rest, you may have to think twice. If you don't have him and then go 2-0 down, it could be an uphill task. – Ravi Shastri"

Leeds, June 25

Former cricketer and head coach Ravi Shastri believes India should think twice before resting world number one Jasprit Bumrah in the second Test against England after succumbing to a five-wicket defeat at Headingley.

On the final day of the pulsating fixture on Tuesday, England gunned down a 371-run target to pull off their second-highest successful chase in Test cricket. Bumrah served as the driving force in India's seemingly toothless attack, with sizzling figures of 5/83 in the first innings.

During India's 371-run defence, Bumrah lost his magic and went wicketless. After the conclusion of the contest, head coach Gautam Gambhir declared that the management won't budge from Bumrah's three-match utilisation.

Shastri warned the Indian camp to think twice before resting Bumrah in the second Test at Birmingham, which begins on July 2.

"If he (Bumrah) was looking at a rest, you may have to think twice. If you don't have him and then go 2-0 down, it could be an uphill task," Shastri said on Sky Sports.

Compared to Bumrah's figures of 5/140 from 43.4 overs at an economy rate of 3.20, the rest struggled to match his impact. Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna combined to return with figures of 9/482 from 92 overs, a massive chasm.

During the announcement of India's squad for the Test tour of England, chief selector Ajit Agarkar had confirmed Bumrah was advised not to contest in consecutive Tests as part of his workload management. The precaution around Bumrah's usage stems from a stress reaction in his back during the fifth Test against Australia in Sydney in January.

Former India batting maestro Sunil Gavaskar had suggested that India should consider playing Bumrah in all five Tests. However, Gambhir quickly turned down the suggestion, claiming they were more concerned about his workload.

"I think for us, managing his workload is more important because there's a lot of cricket going forward, and we know what he brings to the table as well. So, before he came to the tour, it was already decided that he was going to play three Test matches. But let's see how his body turns out," Gambhir told reporters in the post-match press conference.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Shastri is absolutely right! Bumrah is our only world-class bowler in these conditions. Without him, our attack looks toothless. Why take risks when the series is at stake? 🇮🇳 #TeamIndia
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Priya M.
Gambhir's approach makes sense too. We can't afford to lose Bumrah to injury before the World Cup. Maybe rotate him smartly - bowl him in crucial spells rather than full matches?
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Amit S.
The real problem is our bench strength. Where are the backup pacers? Siraj was brilliant in Australia but struggling here. BCCI needs to develop more Test-quality bowlers ASAP!
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Sanjay P.
Why not try Ashwin in Birmingham? England batsmen struggle against quality off-spin. Our team management is being too rigid with the 4-pacer theory. Need to adapt to conditions!
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Neha R.
As a doctor, I must say back injuries are no joke. One wrong move and Bumrah could be out for months. Better to lose a Test than lose our star bowler long-term. Health first! 💉
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Vikram D.
The way England chased 371 shows our bowling lacks teeth without Bumrah. But is it fair to expect one man to carry the attack every match? Others need to step up their game big time.

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