To manage the workload of Jasprit Bumrah ahead of the tour, the decision was taken that Bumrah will only play three games. Former Indian coach Ravi Shastri predicted that if Bumrah were to take rest in the series, it has to come in the next game at Edgbaston, and Shastri predicted that Bumrah will play at Lord’s in the third Test.
“Bumrah said he’ll play three Test matches. Now, which of the three he’ll play, that’s, you know, another question to be asked. I think if he takes a break, it’ll be the next one, because he’ll definitely want to play at Lord’s, right? And there’s a break, and then you go into Lord’s, then there’s a break, and then there’s a choice between Manchester and the same. It could be 2-0 down. So that is the problem. I think he has got to play,” Shastri said, speaking on Sky Sports.
Coming into the series India has lost to Australia 3-1 Down Under and 3-0 against New Zealand at home. “It will be a tough pill to swallow because I was just telling him, back in the commentary box, that we lost 3-0 against New Zealand, lost a series in Australia. Now, this is a tough series. You had your opportunity to go one up here, you know, with England having problems with their bowling attack, the injuries that they have. And you’ve blown it. And now it’s catch-up time,” Shastri said.
India, despite being in a solid position, failed to deliver the goods. Defending 371 runs on the final day of the Test match, Indian bowlers looked toothless and lost the first Test in Leeds.
“You’re going to go and show some real character. And the knockout punch has to come in the very next Test match. If that doesn’t happen, then you’re really looking down. So whenever there’s a counter punch, you’re down. That has to happen quite immediately. So they have to realise that,” Shastri said.
