Ashwin Wants Bumrah's Inclusion In Second Test (Source: @CricComradeRaja/x.com, @CricCrazyJohns/x.com)
After a heartbreaking defeat in the first Test against England, Team India is set to take on the upcoming challenges in Birmingham. Ahead of stepping into the second Test, Bumrah’s availability has become a massive topic of discussion.
Ahead of the match, former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has voiced a strong plea for the pace ace’s inclusion, believing Bumrah’s presence could be the key to turning the series in India’s favour.
Ashwin Urges For Bumrah’s Presence In Second Test
In the first Test against England, Team India faced a heartbreaking 5-wicket defeat despite the early dominance. Within the struggle, Jasprit Bumrah shone bright in the first innings with a magical 5-wicket haul, but went wicketless in the second innings.
With the second Test approaching, Bumrah’s spot in the XI remains uncertain. Speaking on his YouTube Channel ‘Ash Ki Baat’, as quoted by Hindustan Times, Ravichandran Ashwin said that Bumrah must play the match, keeping his ‘X’ factor in mind.
"If we talk about this Test match, will you play Bumrah? Yes, if Bumrah wants to play. By all means, as a coach or anybody, I would also always want Bumrah to play. Because Bumrah's factor in the game is very big. And especially, we are 1-0 behind in a series. Obviously, we have decided this earlier. And Bumrah has also suggested that he has to play 3 Tests. And that is the best way to manage his workload,” he said.
“I would rather say, we have got a 10-day bonus. So, he can be ready for this game. So, let's just say, if he plays this game and it becomes 1-1. You have a chance to rest him in the 3rd or 4th test. And you can bring him back. But if this Test match also goes wrong, you can always rest him and just play him in the 4th Test,” he added.
Bumrah Remains Key To Keep Series Hopes Alive
As the series didn’t have a dreamy start, Team India is already 0-1 behind after the previous defeat. Jasprit Bumrah stood out as a beacon of hope amid a struggling bowling attack. With the second Test nearing, Ravichandran Ashwin issues a warning, urging India to play Bumrah or risk slipping to a painful 2-0 setback.
“A bowler has undergone surgery once. The second time, he had to manage his load. He just got away with it. And he came back. He came back, obviously, with flying colours. So, it is very, very important to extend his career. So, with that regard, Bumrah should play in the 2nd Test. Because 2-0 becomes a big, big hit to catch up. Especially in an away series. It can happen in a home series as well. But in an away series, it's very tough,” he said.
As both sides are gearing up for the upcoming clash, Bumrah’s availability is still under wraps. If the ace pacer misses out on the clash, Akash Deep can step into his shoes, keeping the seaming condition in mind.
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