NewKerala.com

Key Points

Former India wicketkeeper Deep Dasgupta strongly advocates for Jasprit Bumrah's inclusion in the crucial fourth Test against England. He highlights the series situation where India trails 1-2 and needs their premier bowler. Despite workload management plans, Dasgupta stresses Bumrah's impact could be decisive in Manchester. The eight-day gap between matches provides sufficient recovery time for the pace spearhead.

Key Points: Dasgupta Urges Bumrah Inclusion for Crucial England Test

  • Dasgupta argues Bumrah's presence vital for India's comeback
  • India trails 1-2 in the Test series against England
  • Bumrah took 5-wicket hauls in both Tests he played
  • 8-day gap between matches eases workload concerns
2 min read

You would want the world's best bowler 'Bumrah' to play crucial fourth Test, says Dasgupta

Former keeper Deep Dasgupta insists India must play Bumrah in the decisive fourth Test against England despite workload concerns.

"You would definitely want the world's best bowler to play - Deep Dasgupta"

New Delhi, July 17

Former India wicketkeeper-batter Deep Dasgupta believes India would greatly benefit from the inclusion of world-class fast-bowling spearhead Jasprit Bumrah for the fourth Test against England in Manchester, citing the long gap between matches.

Ahead of the Test series in England, chief selector Ajit Agarkar and head coach Gautam Gambhir had announced that Bumrah will only play three of the five games in the series in order to manage his workload. That policy has meant that Bumrah played in Tests at Headingley and Lord’s, while being rested from the Edgbaston game.

“Jasprit Bumrah in the fourth Test, absolutely yes. I've heard rumours that the plan for him was to play in the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Tests. But since India is 2-1 behind, the fourth Test becomes very, very crucial for a comeback. You would definitely want the world's best bowler to play,” said Dasgupta on JioHotstar.

Interestingly India have lost both the Tests Bumrah has played, where he picked five-wicket hauls in first innings of matches at Headingley and Lord’s. With India aiming to level the series in the Test at Old Trafford, starting on July 23, Bumrah’s presence in the bowling department becomes very crucial for the Shubman Gill-led side.

“And there is a gap of 8 days between the two Test matches. The fifth Test will only be relevant depending on what happens in the fourth — and that's something to worry about later. But the relevance of the fourth Test is very high,” added Dasgupta.

Following the 22-run defeat in the thrilling game at Lord’s, India now 1-2 behind in the five-match series and will be aiming to bounce back in Manchester, before taking on England in the fifth and final match of the series at The Oval in London from July 31 to August 4.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As a cricket fan living in Manchester, I can't wait to see Bumrah bowl here! The pitch has good bounce which will suit his style. Hope the team management makes the right call 🤞
A
Aditya G
While I understand workload management, this is Test cricket - the ultimate format! Bumrah should play if fit. Remember how Kapil Dev used to play every match? Modern players need that toughness too.
P
Priya S
Interesting stats - we lost both Tests where Bumrah took 5-wicket hauls! Maybe we're relying too much on him? Other bowlers need to step up too. But yes, must play him in Manchester!
M
Michael C
As an England fan, I must say Bumrah is terrifying to face! But honestly, India's bowling looks much weaker without him. Would be surprised if they don't play him in this must-win game.
K
Kavya N
The 8-day gap is perfect for recovery. No excuse to rest Bumrah now. Also, our batting needs to support him better - can't expect bowlers to win matches alone every time!

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50