Star pacer could be rested for 2nd Test in Birmingham, how the team has fared in his absence
As India gears up for the second Test of their five-match series against England in Birmingham on July 2, the spotlight is on Jasprit Bumrah. The star pacer, who has been a linchpin of India’s bowling attack since his debut in 2018, could be rested for the match.
With India trailing 0-1 in the series under Shubman Gill’s captaincy, the team faces a critical juncture. The question looms large: how has India fared in Test cricket without their ace bowler?
The Bumrah factor
Jasprit Bumrah’s rise in Test cricket has been nothing short of meteoric. Since his debut on January 5, 2018, he has redefined fast bowling for India, excelling in all conditions- home and away.
His ability to generate pace, swing, and accuracy, coupled with his knack for delivering under pressure, has made him a match-winner. Bumrah’s numbers are a testament to his dominance. With 210 wickets in 46 matches at an average of 19.6, he has been India’s go-to bowler in crunch situations.
His 14 five-wicket hauls and best figures of 6/27 in an innings underline his ability to dismantle batting lineups single-handedly. Notably, he has finished as the leading wicket-taker in five Test series, a feat that highlights his consistency and impact.
India without Bumrah: A mixed bag
Since Bumrah’s debut, India has played 71 Test matches, of which he has missed 25 due to injuries or being rested. While India has managed to maintain a competitive record in his absence, the void left by a bowler of his caliber is undeniable.
Bumrah's ability to strike early and provide breakthroughs in tough conditions has often been the difference between victory and defeat. The eight Test series he has missed have seen India rely on their bench strength, with mixed results. While the likes of Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj have stepped up on occasions, the absence of Bumrah’s X-factor has been felt, particularly in overseas conditions where his swing and control are invaluable.
The current challenge
India’s ongoing tour of England has already showcased Bumrah’s importance. In the first Test at Leeds, he picked up a five-wicket haul in the first innings, but India faltered as England chased down a mammoth 371 in the fourth innings.
With Bumrah expected to feature in only three of the five matches in this series, his potential absence in Birmingham could leave a significant gap in India’s bowling arsenal.
The second Test is a crucial one for India to stay alive in the series. The team management’s decision to rest Bumrah, if confirmed, will be a calculated one, balancing his workload with the team’s immediate needs.
In his absence, the onus will fall on the likes of Siraj, Prasidh Krishna and Shardul Thakur to lead the pace attack.
What’s at stake
Trailing 0-1, India faces a steep challenge in Birmingham. The team’s ability to adapt and deliver without their spearhead will be a litmus test of their depth and resilience. Will Arshdeep Singh made his Test debut or will Akash Deep get a game? The second Test gets underway in Birmingham on July 2.