Should Bumrah Bowl 12 Overs a Day in England Tests?

New Delhi, June 14 (NationPress) Former Indian cricketer WV Raman has suggested that Jasprit Bumrah should limit his bowling to a maximum of 12 overs each day during the forthcoming Test series against England, emphasizing that the fast-bowling star should not be overextended any further.

Prior to their journey to England, head coach Gautam Gambhir mentioned that due to concerns regarding workload management and Bumrah's history of back injuries—most recently sustained during the fifth Test against Australia in Sydney—the premier fast bowler would only play in three out of five Tests in England. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar echoed this sentiment during the squad announcement press conference.

Currently, India's decision on which Tests Bumrah, the leading Test bowler, will participate in remains undisclosed, with more clarity expected after the intra-squad match in Beckenham. “Yes, Bumrah's availability is crucial for India. If it is clear that he will participate in only three Test matches, it simplifies planning as we know he won't be available for two,” Raman stated.

“If the management has the option, they should address this before the series commences, as it will be critical. Regarding his on-field utilization, overworking him is not an option.”

“They may need to consider him as an aggressive lead wicket-taker. Ideally, he should not bowl more than 15 overs, and I would recommend sticking to around 12 overs in a day,” Raman told IANS during an exclusive dialogue facilitated by Sony Sports Network.

India's pace attack also includes Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, and Arshdeep Singh, with Nitish Kumar Reddy and Shardul Thakur acting as seam-bowling all-rounders. Raman has chosen Siraj, Prasidh, and left-arm pacer Arshdeep to join India’s bowling lineup for the series opener in Leeds, noting that either Prasidh or Shardul could step in if Bumrah is rested.

“I would undoubtedly choose Arshdeep. Siraj would certainly be my third choice. I would also consider Prasidh Krishna if Bumrah is absent. Even if Bumrah plays, I would contemplate fielding four seamers, particularly at Leeds, where conditions favor swing and seam,” he added.

“Headingley has always been a venue where bowlers have excelled. Given this, I would prefer to field four seamers there. If resting Bumrah becomes necessary, then Shardul should be included. After Bumrah, my choices would be Arshdeep, Siraj, and Prasidh Krishna,” he concluded.

The eagerly awaited India tour of England begins on June 20 and will be broadcast live and exclusively on the Sony Sports Network channels.