Ahead of India taking on England, Gautam Gambhir and the team management have announced that ace bowler Jasprit Bumrah will only play three of the five games in the series. However, former England cricketer David Lloyd felt the decision should be flexible based on the result at the fourth Test in Old Trafford.
“It is what they’ve said and what the coach Gautam Gambhir said that he will play three out of the five Tests. So, he’s got a choice. There are two matches to go. He’s played two. If they are true to their words, he should play this next game at Old Trafford. But then, you know, they can manoeuvre that, can’t they?” said Lloyd speaking on talkSPORT.
“If he plays this next one at Old Trafford and they get a result to make it 2-2, you’d think he’d play at The Oval as well. I’m second-guessing, but I think he’ll play this next game and see where they are. If England go 3-1, he won’t play. But if it’s 2-2, he will play at the Oval,” he added.
When Shubman Gill was asked if Bumrah would take part in the next game after a narrow defeat at Lord’s, he responded by saying. “You will get to know about it soon.”
However, interestingly India have lost both the Tests Bumrah has taken part of and won the game at Edgbaston where he did not play. Since Bumrah’s debut in January 2018, he has played 47 Tests for India, out of which the side has won 20 and lost 23. During this period, India has also played 27 Tests that he did not play, and India lost only five of them.
“That’s extraordinary. There was something that said when he plays they lose more than when he doesn’t play, and he is like the best bowler in the world. And he is awkward and nasty with his action, but a thoroughly decent fella,” Lloyd said.
