Former England cricketer Michael Atherton has expressed his opinion on India’s strategy for managing Jasprit Bumrah’s workload in the ongoing five-Test series. Atherton suggests that India should utilize Bumrah in the Rajkot and Dharamsala matches, particularly because the pitch in Rajkot is expected to be flat.
Bumrah has been India’s standout bowler in the first two Tests, playing a crucial role in their series-leveling 106-run victory over England in Visakhapatnam. The right-arm speedster has claimed 15 wickets in two Tests at an impressive average of 10.66, with nine wickets in Vizag, six of which were in the first innings. Additionally, he has bowled over 40 overs in both Tests.
In a conversation with Sky Sports’ Nasser Hussain, Atherton believes that India will require Jasprit Bumrah on what might be a low-scoring pitch in the third Test in Rajkot. Nonetheless, he acknowledges the limited time before the next Test and suggests that India might consider giving the pacer a rest in Ranchi. The 55-year-old further explained:
“You want your cracker jack bowler, who can open up the game when the conditions are flat. But then it’s a quick turnaround to Ranchi and then Dharamsala where you probably want your seamers to play as it’s a bit cooler.”
“I would’ve thought favourite for him is to play here and in Dharamsala. Depending upon how it goes here, they may look to rest him in Ranchi.”
Jasprit Bumrah played a crucial role on a flat pitch in Visakhapatnam, taking key wickets like Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, and Ben Stokes, helping India gain a lead of 143. His excellent performance also made him the top-ranked bowler in the ICC Test rankings.
“Rajkot is known for having one of the flatter pitches”- Michael Atherton
Atherton observed that Rajkot has a placid surface, evident from India scoring 650 against the West Indies in 2018 and England achieving three centuries in a single innings in 2016. He went on to say:
“There are a few rumours in the Indian media. One that he might not be in the squad and will be rested for Rajkot. They prove to be unfounded. There are still a few rumour mills that they are looking to rest him at some point in the series.”
“Rajkot has a reputation of being one of the flatter pitches – it only has had a couple of Tests. I think there have been 9 individual 100s scored. India scored 650 against the West Indies. In 2016-17, 3 England batters got hundreds.”
Both teams are dealing with injury issues leading up to the Rajkot Test, with Jack Leach and KL Rahul expected to be unavailable for the match.
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