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"If He Takes A Break..," Shastri Explains Which Tests Bumrah Could Miss On England Tour

Aakash Saini

Jasprit Bumrah in action against England [Source: AP Photos]Jasprit Bumrah in action against England [Source: AP Photos]

Former Indian coach Ravi Shastri believes ace paceman Jasprit Bumrah will take a break from the upcoming second Test at Edgbaston in Birmingham next week. Addressing Bumrah’s workload management, the prominent commentator claimed that the speedster will want to represent Team India at the iconic Lord’s in July, making the venue less likely for him to skip.

Notably, Bumrah has emerged as the leader of the Indian pace attack in the past few years. Even in the opening Test against England in Leeds, the cricketer picked up five wickets in the first innings, only for India to squander up crucial chances to lose the match on a thrilling Day 5.

Ravi Shastri Addresses Risks Of Resting Jasprit Bumrah

Prior to the launch of the series, several reports and officials confirmed that Jasprit Bumrah will likely not play all five Tests in a bid to manage his workload. While the Indian paceman featured in the opening Test at Headingley in Leeds, former coach and active commentator Ravi Shastri believes that Bumrah now has the option of missing the upcoming second match in Birmingham.

While speaking on Sky Sports and as quoted by the Indian Express, Shastri also addressed the possible dilemma over Bumrah’s break, and how it can cost Team India going 0-2 down in the series. He said:

“Bumrah said he’ll play three Test matches. Now, which of the three he’ll play, that’s, you know, another question to be asked. I think if he takes a break, it’ll be the next one, because he’ll definitely want to play at Lord’s, right? And there’s a break, and then you go into Lord’s, then there’s a break, and then there’s a choice between Manchester and the same. It could be 2-0 down. So that is the problem. I think he has got to play.”

Trailing 0-1 in the series, Team India will now face hosts England at Edgbaston in Birmingham from July 2 onwards. Shubman Gill and co. need to win the impending fixture in a bid to level the series.