Bumrah Unlikely To Play In 2nd Test; Why England Batters Will Breathe A Sigh Of Relief

How Bumrah's absence will benefit England [Source: AP Photo]

After a drubbing in the first Test match at Headingley, the caravan shifts towards Edgbaston as India will collide against England in a bid to level the 5-match series. The Shubman Gill led had the first Test in the palm of their hands but they let it slip by on the final day as the hosts chased down 371 runs with ease.

To add more salt to the Indian wounds, there are reports that India's star seamer, Jasprit Bumrah might not feature in the Test match as a result of his workload management. If Bumrah misses out on a place in the second Test, it could turn out to be a nightmare for his side but it will be a blessing for the opponent - England.

Here is why the absence of the star pacer will benefit the English batters in the second Test match.

Bumrah's lethal spell against England at Headingley

Under overcast conditions, Jasprit Bumrah showcased his skills against England and dismantled their batters to pick up a fifer in the first innings. He looked unplayable as the England batters struggled to read his lines and lengths.

(Bumrah vs England in first innings)

While the England batters tackled the other Indian seamers with utmost ease, they found it hard to defend against the skilful Bumrah and if he misses out, the Bazballers will have a big sigh of relief. Plus, Bumrah's overall record against England also goes in favour of them.

(Bumrah overall record Vs ENG)

As the table suggests, Bumrah has 65 wickets in 15 matches against England, with four 5-wicket hauls under his name. Time and again, England batters have failed to play against him and they will relish if he is not there.

England will target other weak links

With no Bumrah in the playing XI, the batters' job becomes easier. With the likes of Prasidh Krishna, Shardul Thakur and Mohammed Siraj in the ranks, England batters will be confident of taking them down, especially after what transpired at Headingley.

(Indian bowlers stats in 1st Test)

As the table suggests, barring Bumrah, the other pacers struggled and the likes of Krishna also conceded runs at more than 6 runs per over. Their lines were wayward and this allowed England batters to play out Bumrah with ease while hammering the other bowlers in the run-chase.

If the above mentioned three seamers don't improve, the Test could go in England's favour once again.

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