Madan Lal Picks Jasprit Bumrah's Replacement For The WTC Final 

Umesh Yadav in action [Source: AP]

Former Indian pacer Madan Lal backs Umesh Yadav to play the World Test Championship (WTC) final in place of injured Jasprit Bumrah, should India qualify for the mega event.

Bumrah, 29, has been out of action since September with a back injury. He is all set to undergo surgery in New Zealand. The star Indian pacer has been ruled out of the upcoming edition of the IPL due to his much-maligned back injury.

Earlier, the BCCI officials were hopeful that the pacer would be available for the WTC Final at The Oval from June 7, but the latest reports suggest that team India will have to wait for his return for some time.

Speaking to Sports Tak, the world-cup-winning cricketer suggested India to draft Umesh into the playing XI for the WTC final if India qualifies for the showpiece event. 

Lal said that at this point in time, it is better to leave Bumrah out of the equation and find an alternative for him. 

Here's what Madan Lal stated

"They will take Umesh [to WTC final]. There you need at least 3 pacers so, only one spinner might play and the rest will be fast bowlers. Forget Bumrah. Leave him out of the equation. When Bumrah returns, we will see then. Use whatever you have. What is the guarantee? No wonder when he will return - maybe in 1 to 1.5 years. He has not played in so long. It means his injury is very serious."

For India to qualify they have to beat Australia in the fourth Test, starting next week. The all-important final will be played at the Oval Stadium in London later this year in June.

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