Jasprit Bumrah, the lead Indian pacer, might miss out on playing the second Test against England starting at Edgbaston from July 2. The update comes on the back of India's loss at Headingley.
As per reports in Indian Express, Jasprit Bumrah will most probably be rested in the second Test as part of his workload management process. The Indian pacer bowled a total of 44 overs in the first Test.
In Bumrah's absence, Mohammed Siraj is likely to lead the Indian pace attack. Bumrah is expected to return for the Lord's Test match starting from July 10.
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Jasprit Bumrah To Be Rested At Edgbaston
Jasprit Bumrah's absence from the second Test match will come bad as a body blow to the Indian team who have an inexperienced pace attack in England. Mohammed Shami is not a part of this attack in England. Besides that, Harshit Rana was released ahead of the second Test by the management.
Meanwhile, the management is looking for Jasprit Bumrah's replacement. The likes of Prasidh Krishna and Mohammed Siraj failed to back up Bumrah in the first Test. Shardul Thakur did take two wickets in the second innings but was very ordinary in the first innings and bowled just six overs in the match.
There is also concern around the other pacers leaking runs for India besides Jasprit Bumrah. Bumrah took 5 wickets for 140 runs in the first Test. He picked up a fifer in the first innings and went wicketless in the second. The rest of the Indian bowlers cumulatively picked up nine wickets giving away 482 runs in 92 overs.
Previously, Gautam Gambhir had confirmed that Bumrah will only play three Test matches against England. It looks like they are likely to go ahead with the plan. The management is looking for a replacement and Arshdeep Singh with his ability to swing the ball can be a good replacement for Bumrah.
After India's loss in the first Test, Ravi Shastri has warned the Indian team to rethink their decision to rest their lead pacer.
"If he was looking at a rest, you may have to think twice. If you don't have him and then go 2-0 down it could be an uphill task,"."This will be a tough pill for India to swallow. You don't get in positions like this very often and blow it from there. They had a chance to take England out of the contest and dictate terms," Shastri said on Sky Sports.
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Kuldeep In For Jadeja At Edgbaston
The Indian spin attack also needs a reshuffle heading into the second Test. Ravindra Jadeja looked ineffective in the first innings and was only effective in the final day of the Test match. Kuldeep Yadav is being seen as a viable option to replace him at Edgbaston. India can even field two spinners, now that Bumrah is likely to be rested.
Also Read: 'Even proper batters fail' - Gautam Gambhir defends lower order after two collapses against England
