source : BCCI
As India prepares for a crucial five-match Test series against England starting June 20, questions remain around the availability of Jasprit Bumrah. The pace spearhead is currently under workload management following a stress reaction in his back earlier this year. India’s captain Shubman Gill and coach Gautam Gambhir, however, remain confident in the team’s bowling depth.
We haven’t decided which three Tests Bumrah will play,” Gambhir said during the pre-departure press conference in Mumbai. “A lot depends on how the series progresses and discussions with Jasprit himself. We have enough quality apart from him
Bumrah’s limited workload comes as a precaution after his injury in the Sydney Test against Australia. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar had earlier advised against playing Bumrah in consecutive matches. Still, India’s pace battery looks strong with Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, and Arshdeep Singh in the squad. Seam-bowling allrounders Nitish Kumar Reddy and Shardul Thakur add further variety.
Gill echoed the coach’s sentiment: “Whenever Bumrah returns, it will be a great sight. But we have a great mix of bowlers ready to step up and get the job done.”
This series holds added significance as it marks India’s first Test campaign since the retirements of stalwarts Rohit Sharma, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Virat Kohli. Mohammed Shami is also absent, increasing the responsibility on the emerging bowlers.
India will open the series at Headingley on June 20, followed by Tests at Edgbaston, Lord’s, Old Trafford, and The Oval. Ahead of the series, India A will play a four-day match at Beckenham, providing valuable preparation time.
With a balanced squad and experienced leadership, India aims to assert their dominance in English conditions despite Bumrah’s uncertain availability. The depth in their pace attack could prove vital in what promises to be a fiercely contested Test series
