Since 2020, no other bowler than Jasprit Bumrah has taken more wickets in overseas Test matches for India. He is not playing the second Test match between India and England here at Edgbaston in Birmingham. How will this affect India’s chances in this game? The answer is still five days ahead of us, but most of us already know the answer.
It was already made clear that Bumrah will play only three Test matches on the tour, even before India landed in England. He was a part of the first Test match, and eventually, the management decided to give him the rest. This is being done to manage his workload.
Why is Bumrah Not Included in the England vs India 2nd Test Match?
Prior to the series, India made the strategic decision to limit Bumrah’s participation to three Tests as part of workload management, following his four-month recovery period from a back injury he suffered earlier in the year. “This decision remains unchanged,” Gambhir said. “Workload management is our primary concern, particularly with the busy cricket calendar that lies ahead.“
As Bumrah has been rested for this Test match, he will be gearing up to feature in the next one. The second Test in Birmingham will end on Sunday, July 6. Both teams will travel to Lord’s to play the third Test match, scheduled to start on Thursday, July 10.
The result of the ongoing and upcoming Test is likely to determine if Bumrah will play the fourth and fifth Test matches. If these two matches end in India’s favour, the management might look to give him a rest. However, if that is not the case, Bumrah might have to play the fourth Test and rest in the last Test match.
Who Has Replaced Bumrah In the Playing 11 in the Second Test Match?
India has made a few changes in the playing 11 for the second Test match. Akash Deep has been included in the playing 11 in place of Bumrah. He made his Test debut last year against England and has represented India in seven Test matches so far.
Akash Deep has 15 wickets to his name at an average of 35.20. He last featured in the Boxing Day Test match against Australia last year and picked up a total of two wickets.
Who Will Carry The Pace Attack in the Absence of Bumrah?
According to the stats, Mohammed Siraj is the second-best Indian bowler after Bumrah in overseas conditions. The right-arm pacer has picked 102 wickets in 37 games at an average of 31.83. Although his average is on the higher side, he is truly the captain of the pace attack in the absence of Bumrah.
(Indian bowlers who have picked the most wickets in Tests since 2018)
Siraj has played a total of 12 Test matches against England so far. He has picked 29 wickets at an average of 38.31. The only opponent against whom Siraj has taken more wickets than England is Australia. Since 2021, he has played seven Test matches in England and has amassed 25 wickets at an average of 38.20.
Siraj will receive support from Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, and Nitish Kumar Reddy. Prasidh was a part of the first Test as well and picked a total of five wickets.
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