Which Bowler Could Replace Jasprit Bumrah If Star Pacer Misses Edgbaston Test

Anurag Dasgupta

Who could replace Bumrah [Source: AP Photo] Who could replace Bumrah [Source: AP Photo]

Before the start of the England tour, Jasprit Bumrah, the star Indian pacer announced that he would only play three Test matches in England, instead of all five. Workload management was cited as the reason for this decision as India now finds itself in a tricky situation. The star bowler has already played one Test match and will only be available for two more.

He bowled 44 overs in the combined two innings at Headingley as it took a toll on his body and the pacer was spotted in the dugout during the final moments of the first Test. There is also a chance that Bumrah could miss the Edgbaston Test, in order to preserve himself for the third game at Lord's.

In case he misses out on playing in the second Test, who should replace the right-arm pacer in the playing XI?. There are only two contenders who fit the bill - Arshdeep Singh and Akash Deep.

Arshdeep Singh or Akash Deep, who should play in place of Bumrah?

There are only two candidates who can replace Bumrah in the second Test match. One is a left-arm seamer Arshdeep Singh and the other is Akash Deep, the right-arm pacer with great control over lines and lengths.

So, which of the two pacers has what it takes to replace Bumrah in the second Test at Edgbaston?.

What Arshdeep Singh brings to the table

  • Different variety in attack: All the seamers in India's squad are right-armers and there is no variety in the attack. What Arshdeep brings to the table is a different flavour from what the others can bring.
  • Quality left-arm seamer is a rare commodity and India already has a gem on their hands and they should make use of him. He can swing the ball both ways and could be a great asset against the England openers.

Experience of playing in English conditions

Arshdeep has the experience of playing in English conditions as the pacer was a part of the T20I team which toured England in 2022. Also, the seamer has played for Kent in the County Championship and has decent stats there.

Criterion
Data
Matches5
Dismissals13
Average41

(Arshdeep stats in County)

Arshdeep's average took a hit due to the fact that he used to bowl on flat County pitches but he himself admitted that bowling in English conditions helped him to understand the correct lines and lengths on such wickets and this trait could work wonders for him against England.

What Akash Deep can offer in place of Bumrah?

  • Impeccable control over lines and lengths and swing both ways is a specialty of Akash Deep. If there is any seam movement on offer, Akash Deep will pounce on it and will use it to his advantage.

But there is one limitation which he has

  • Despite boasting control over his bowling, Akash Deep's main weapon is swing and seam and if there is no movement on offer, he doesn't have any other weapon in his arsenal.
  • Just like the Headingley surface, the pitch at Edgbaston is set to offer no help for the bowlers as it could be a batting paradise. Hence, in such a scenario, Akash Deep won't be effective and could leak runs against the English batters.

Conclusion

While both are excellent bowlers in their own right, Arshdeep has a touch more variety and could also use his height as an advantage. The English pitches won't help the seam bowlers and the Bengal seamer, Akash Deep could turn out to be a liability on such pitches. Hence, India should go in with the left-arm seamer.