IND vs ENG 2024: Reasons why India shouldn’t rest Jasprit Bumrah for the 4th Test
Following Team India’s thumping victory over England in the third Test match, reports have emerged that Indian ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah might be given a rest for the fourth match, which will commence on Friday (February 23) in Ranchi.
The pacer has been pivotal in the Men in Blue’s success in the ongoing five-match Test series. Resting him might not be the best option for them. Here we crack down reasons why he shouldn’t be rested for the fourth match.
1. England’s comeback danger
England is a side that knows to bounce back hard even after taking a big blow. Their skipper Ben Stokes has assured the fans that they will make a strong comeback and win the next two games to take away the series.
Generally, Stokes has been able to stand up to his statement by drawing positive results. Team India cannot afford to take the opposition lightly even after a marvellous victory in the third Test match.
The presence of Jasprit Bumrah is crucial in a slightly inexperienced Indian lineup. It was his brilliance that allowed India to bounce back after going down 1-0 in the series. His presence will also ensure that Joe Root remains uncomfortable on the crease.
2. No quality replacement
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Team India will probably have to replace Jasprit Bumrah with either Akash Deep or Mukesh Kumar. Both the pacers are fine but not good enough to trouble English batters on Indian pitches, where the pacers don’t get any assist from the surface.
Earlier, the Men in Blue used to have the services of Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav and Ishant Sharma. While Shami is injured, Umesh and Ishant are past their primes.
Hence, the management shouldn’t risk resting Bumrah in the fourth test. They will need his services to keep the English batters in check. The right-handed bowler doesn’t allow the opponents to play their natural attacking game.
3. Enough days off after Ranchi Test
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One cannot deny the fact that it is crucial to manage Jasprit Bumrah’s workload. He underwent back surgery not long ago and needs to be handled with care because of his intensive action.
But the management should be smart enough while doing that. Bumrah bowled only 23 overs in the third match, that too in multiple spells, allowing him to remain fresh.
The pacer can be rested after the fourth Test if they get the unassailable 3-1 lead in the series. Even if the result goes otherwise, he will have nine days to rest and then participate in the final test match.
