WV Raman, the former India batter is of the opinion that Jasprit Bumrah must not bowl more than 12 overs in a day in the forthcoming England Test series. He stated that the workload of Bumrah will not have to be increased too much. Indian cricket board has already clarified that Bumrah will play only three of the five Tests in England.
In a special discussion organized by Sony Sports Network, Raman told IANS, “So far, India has not decided which specific Test matches Bumrah will play in England. Things will become clearer after the intra-squad match in Beckenham. Bumrah’s availability is a crucial factor for India. It is almost certain that he will not participate in two of the Test matches, which makes planning a bit easier. You know you won’t see him in two of those games.”
Raman further said, “If the team management has the option, they should definitely explore it before the series begins. As far as using Bumrah on the field is concerned, I believe he shouldn’t be made to bowl too many overs. According to me, he should not bowl more than 12 overs a day—maybe not even more than 15.”
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The other Indian fast bowlers in the England tour, other than Bumrah, are Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, and Arshdeep Singh. Nitish Kumar Reddy and Shardul Thakur are seam bowling all rounders.
Raman chose Siraj, Prasidh, and left-arm pacer Arshdeep to round out the India pace attack in the series opener at Leeds. When asked about resting Bumrah, he added that either Prasidh Krishna or Shardul Thakur could be introduced in the playing XI in case of rest. The former cricketer added, “I would pick Arshdeep. Siraj would definitely be my third seamer. If Bumrah doesn’t play, I’d include Prasidh Krishna as well. But if Bumrah is available, I’d consider playing four seamers, especially at Leeds, where there’s traditionally a lot of swing and seam movement.”
He added, “Headingley has always been a pitch where bowlers do well. In such conditions, I’d definitely go with four fast bowlers. If Bumrah is rested and you still want four pacers, then Shardul Thakur must be included. After Bumrah, my choices would be Arshdeep, Siraj, and Prasidh Krishna.”
The five-match Test series between India and England begins on June 20.
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