IND vs ENG: Shubman Gill ends suspense over Jasprit Bumrah’s availability for 2nd Test, hints at final call after practice and workload management assessment.
New Delhi: Indian cricket team captain Shubman Gill has ended the suspense over Jasprit Bumrah’s availability ahead of the second Test starting in Birmingham on Wednesday. Gill told in the press conference that Bumrah is fully available, but his final role will be decided after the practice session. Gill said, “Bumrah is definitely available. We also have to keep his workload management in mind.”
Gautam Gambhir had already revealed the plan for three matches
After the first match of the series, head coach Gautam Gambhir had made it clear that the team management is firm on the plan to field Bumrah in only three Test matches. Gambhir had rejected suggestions that Bumrah should be played in all five matches. Gambhir had said that he would not take any risk regarding Bumrah’s workload.
Gill said – we have options ready
Gill said in the press conference, “We knew that we would get Bumrah for three matches and we were already ready for this. Yes, we will definitely miss him, but we have a plan ready.” This makes it clear that the team has already made preparations to play without Bumrah.
Statement of assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate
Team India’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate also gave a statement on Bumrah’s condition. He said, “Yes, he is available for this match. We had decided in the beginning that he would play only three out of five matches. He has got eight days of recovery from the last Test but it is not yet decided whether he will play in this match or not.”
Bumrah’s performance in the first Test
In the first Test, Jasprit Bumrah bowled brilliantly with figures of 5/83 in the first innings. But in the second innings, he looked completely flat and could not take a single wicket.
England defeated India
Taking advantage of Bumrah’s failure in the second innings, England defeated India by achieving the target of 371 runs. This was England’s second-highest successful run chase in Test history.
Now the pressure is on Team India
India is under pressure before the second Test as they are trailing 0-1 in the series. In such a situation, whether Bumrah plays or not can prove to be decisive.
The time of decision is near
The decision of Shubman Gill and the coaching staff now depends on Tuesday’s nets, from where it will be decided whether Bumrah will play in this Test or not. Currently he is present with the team and options are being considered.
