The legendary batter and one-half of the BGT, Sunil Gavaskar has shared his opinion on Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah’s participation in the remaining three tests against Australia. Bumrah is the finest bowler so far in the series with 12 wickets in two games.
Nowadays, the key fast bowlers of international teams often take a break during the long series/tournaments to maintain their workload. In the last few years, Australia and England have been resting their pacers to keep them fully charged for particular phases of the series.
However, the workload management has often been criticized by the cricket fraternity if the move backfires on the side. Moreover, there have been pretty few all-format players in every side due to the aforementioned reasons.
On being asked whether Bumrah should feature in all tests, Gavaskar responded by saying that there should be no workload, if you’re playing for the country. Moreover, the 75-year-old pointed out that the Adelaide test was finished in less than two days, and the 31-year-old should ideally be playing all the games.
“I would like him to play all 5 Test matches. You’re playing for India, there is no question about workload and stuff like that. He has to play all 5 Test matches unless he is injured. This match finished in 2 and a half days. This hasn’t gone for 5 days. So the man gets 5 days of break. If he has a problem or an injury, then yes,” Gavaskar said to India Today.
Further, Gavaskar feels the absence of Bumrah can put a dent in India’s chances of securing 20 wickets of the opposition.
“He is your battering ram. If you’re not going to play him in all 5 matches, you reduce your chance of taking 20 Australian wickets. How he is used is up to the captain. He has to be used in such a way that he is effective each time he comes to bowl,” Gavaskar added.
Mohammed Shami could partner up with Jasprit Bumrah in last two BGT tests
Indian captain Rohit Sharma shared an update about Mohammed Shami’s inclusion in the squad for the last two BGT tests in the post-match press conference. The fourth test between both teams kicks off on December 26 in Melbourne.
According to Rohit, Shami got a swelling on his knee during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024, and they don’t want to risk of a major injury to the veteran pacer by expediting his arrival in Australia. He revealed that the professionals are watching Shami’s progress and whether he can participate in the tests.
“We want to be more than 100% sure with him because it has been a long time. We don’t want to put pressure on him to come here and do the job for the team. There are some professionals monitoring, we will take a call based on what those guys feel. They are the ones watching him every game, how he pulls up after the game, after bowling four overs, standing for 20 overs. But the door is open for him to come and play anytime,” Rohit said.
Mohammed Shami last played for India in the 2023 World Cup final against Australia. He emerged as the finest bowler in the showpiece event with 24 wickets in seven games. The right-arm pacer has been mediocre with eight wickets in seven games of SMAT 2024 at an economy of 7.67.
The combination of Shami and Jasprit Bumrah can be lethal for the visitors with the new ball, as they look to secure a series victory and gain qualification to the WTC final.
FAQs
What is Jasprit Bumrah’s test record in Australia?
44 wickets in 9 games
Who is the highest wicket-taker in BGT history?
Nathan Lyon – 118
