Hours after riding India to a 106-run victory in Visakhapatnam, it was learned that Jasprit Bumrah is very likely to miss the third Test against England in Rajkot, starting February 15.
Jasprit Bumrah earned the Man of the Match award in Visakhapatnam for his figures of 9/91 on what was a good batting surface, but Bumrah’s menacing, relentless bowling was too hot to handle for the English batters.
Jasprit Bumrah has been the best bowler of the series so far, leading the wickets charts with 15 wickets at an average of 10.66 on two good batting surfaces in Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam. Nobody has bowled more maidens than his tally of 14 maidens. However, he is all but confirmed to not play in the third Test in Rajkot.
Why will Jasprit Bumrah not play in third Test against England in Rajkot?
According to a report in Cricbuzz, the selectors and team management have decided to give an extended break to Jasprit Bumrah, and hence, adding to the 10-day gap between the second and third Test, the fast bowler will get a five-day extra rest to be fresh for the last two Tests of the series.
Bumrah bowled 57.5 overs across the first two Test matches; no fast bowler on either side has even played both games.
Mohammed Siraj, who was given a break from the second Test, will return and lead the pace attack in the third Test. It is to be seen whether India continue to play Mukesh Kumar or bring in all-rounder Washington Sundar in the third Test.
Jasprit Bumrah with the Player of the match Trophy.
– The Greatest bowler in modern Era. 🐐 pic.twitter.com/zBsrLZMAGE
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) February 5, 2024
Talking about Virat Kohli, head coach Rahul Dravid said, after the Vizag Test, that there is no confirmation of his return yet and the selectors will talk with Kohli about his availability. According to Cricbuzz, Kohli is “believed to be abroad due to a family emergency.” A couple of days ago, Kohli’s friend AB de Villiers revealed on his YouTube channel that Kohli and his wife, Anushka Sharma, are expecting their second child, and that’s why Kohli had taken leave from the first two Tests.
Among other injured players, KL Rahul is expected to return in the third Test, but Ravindra Jadeja, currently recovering from a hamstring injury, will miss the third and maybe even the fourth Tests.
Also Read: IND vs ENG: 3 Lessons India Learned From The Second Test Match In Vizag
