‘He’ll play three Tests, but which one is still a question’ – Ravi Shastri

Indian speedster Jasprit Bumrah is doubtful for the second Test against England at Edgbaston, scheduled to begin on Wednesday, June 2. Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has suggested that the right-arm pacer should skip the match to manage his workload.

With India trailing 0-1 in the five-match series, captain Shubman Gill and head coach Gautam Gambhir face the difficult decision of selecting which of the remaining four Tests Bumrah should play. Shastri emphasised the importance of managing Bumrah carefully, recommending that he should be rested for the Edgbaston Test and return for the third match at Lord’s.

“Bumrah said he’ll play three Test matches. Now, which of the three he’ll play, that’s, you know, another question to be asked. I think if he takes a break, it’ll be the next one, because he’ll definitely want to play at Lord’s, right?” Shastri said on Sky Sports.

He further explained that the slope at Lord’s, venue for the third Test, naturally suits Bumrah’s bowling style and would offer him ideal conditions to make an impact. However, Shastri also warned that resting Bumrah now could mean India heads into the Lord’s 0-2 down, underlining the difficult balance of managing the pace spearhead’s fitness.

He added that this is part of a strategy to preserve Bumrah for key fixtures, potentially involving appearances at either Old Trafford or The Oval later in the series.

And there’s a break, and then you go into Lord’s, then there’s a break, and then there’s a choice between Manchester and the same. It could be 2-0 down. So that is the problem. I think he has got to play,” Shastri added.

India had several positives to take away from the first Test in Leeds, but they need to focus on improving their bowling as they head into the second Test in Birmingham. Meanwhile, England have strengthened their squad by including Jofra Archer for the 2nd Test.