India’s leading pacer Jasprit Bumrah is expected to miss part of the upcoming England tour, according to reports. India will face England in a five-match Test series starting June 20, with the BCCI likely to announce the squad on Saturday, May 24.
After the retirements of key players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, most members from the Australia tour are expected to keep their places, while a few new players will join the senior squad for England. The Indian Express reports Bumrah told BCCI he can’t play more than three Tests on this tour.
“With Jasprit Bumrah already informing the board that his body can’t take the toll of more than three Tests, the selection committee faces a dilemma about including a bowler with similar fitness concerns,” the report stated.
Jasprit Bumrah had featured in all five Tests against Australia but suffered a back injury during the final match, which India lost 1-3. He captained the side in that game after Rohit Sharma withdrew due to poor form.
Bumrah Out, Shami Doubtful for England Tests Due to Fitness Issues
Bumrah’s absence for the entire series is a significant setback, especially since his bowling partner Mohammed Shami is also unlikely to travel to England. Although Shami is currently fit to play for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL, ESPNcricinfo reports that he hasn’t yet built up the necessary workload for the physical demands of Test cricket.
Shami’s last appearance in red-ball cricket for India was during the 2023 World Test Championship final against Australia. This week, a member of the BCCI medical team visited Lucknow to evaluate Shami’s fitness ahead of Hyderabad’s match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Friday, according to ESPNcricinfo.
It remains unclear if the selectors have made a final decision on Shami’s inclusion. However, they will likely err on the side of caution and exclude him unless they receive a positive fitness update. The 34-year-old missed over a year with an ankle injury. After surgery in February 2024, he now has right knee pain and is being treated.
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