Scheduling or deciding when to unleash a pace bowler of Jasprit Bumrah’s caliber is never easy. As the India-England Test Series progresses, the largest discussion is whether India can play Bumrah at Old Trafford or save Bumrah for the closure of their season at The Oval. This type of dilemma makes a cricket fan feel comfortable in front of a screen, and an analyst scratches their head. So, let us go through the dilemma in a casual, unstressed way by looking at the facts and providing some fresh perspective.
The Bumrah Effect: Why Old Trafford Could Be His Stage to Shine
Firstly, Old Trafford is an extraordinary ground, particularly for seamers when Manchester has its all-too-common cloudy, damp mood. This is where there could be an opportunity for Bumrah to feather the ball. Old Trafford has some of the country’s best conditions for swing and seam movement – Bumrah’s bread and butter. Given the difficulty England’s batsmen have had with Bumrah during this series, it makes perfect sense to maximally exploit Bumrah’s potential troubles.
Yes, Bumrah was rested in the second Test at Edgbaston, and India managed to cope without him, but I should note that it was on a pitch that didn’t lend itself to pace bowling. Akash Deep and Mohammed Siraj made it through his absence, but in the important games, experience and the real deal usually count. Let’s not forget Arshdeep Singh injured himself, and Prasidh Krishna is still trying to find his rhythm, which is even more relevant now that Bumrah is playing.
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The Oval Conundrum: A Slow Track Where Bumrah’s Thunder Could Fade
Now, turn the coin & there’s The Oval. This has traditionally been a ground with slower, drier pitches- usually called a “dust bowl” in that context- where spinners seem to have more impact than fast bowlers. Although Bumrah’s skill set is indeed world-class, the conditions do not play to his strengths.
There are pros and cons to India returning Bumrah after The Oval. If Bumrah is delayed, he gets important rest and, therefore, safety from injury a week before the final Test. Conversely, India might lose momentum in the 4th Test at Old Trafford, without their leader bowler, and then allow England to take full advantage and feast on a 3-1 lead, with no chance for India to retaliate in the final Test.
Workload Worries vs. Series Stakes: What Should India Prioritize?
This is where the real chess match begins – it is the work of managing Bumrah’s workload to ensure that India’s chances in the series are not compromised. It is clear that Bumrah has had plenty of use from his body, and this is a good time to ensure that he is rested, so we can prolong his career. The policy of managing his rest sometimes seems prudent.
If Bumrah can lend his services to India’s bid for victory in the fourth Test match, a decider awaits him and the rest of the Indian players at The Oval. India’s ultimate dilemma? Play it safe or roll the dice with Bumrah in the series decider. A wonderful dilemma for India, and proof that their gamble has paid off for them.
What do you think? Would you gamble on resting Bumrah now for the final Test, or go all-in at Old Trafford? Whatever the decision, one thing is clear, Bumrah is the heartbeat of Indian cricket at this watch. Game on!
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