The national selection committee is set to meet within the next 24 hours to confirm the team for the last three Tests against England, with Jasprit Bumrah’s workload being prioritized.
The meeting is set on Thursday, unless unforeseen circumstances require a postponement to Friday owing to the absence of important people.
The committee’s deliberations will center on how to manage Bumrah’s vast and excessive bowling workload, since he has already bowled about 58 overs (second only to R Ashwin, who has bowled nearly 80 overs) in the first two Tests. As recently reported by this page, a popular belief is that the 30-year-old pacer should be used sparingly, acknowledging his vital position on the squad. However, the selection committee and team management recognise Bumrah’s role as the top wicket-taker in a series that was supposed to be dominated by spinners.
Bumrah’s outstanding performance, with 15 wickets at an average of just over 10, emphasizes his importance in India’s bowling lineup. Ashwin, India’s second-most successful bowler, has only nine wickets.
In the initial discussions, resting Bumrah for the third Test and replacing him with Mohammed Siraj appeared plausible, but subsequent deliberations among key figures such as captain Rohit Sharma, coach Rahul Dravid, and chief selector Ajit Agarkar appear to have led to a reconsideration of this decision.
The opinion currently goes towards keeping Bumrah, acknowledging his importance, particularly in Rajkot, where the pitch has historically favoured speed over spin. As the team’s vice-captain, Bumrah understands his responsibilities and the importance of winning matches in the context of World Test Championship (WTC) qualifying. The ultimate decision on Bumrah’s participation will be made when the squad is announced, and the pacer will be included in the debates and conclusion.
Meanwhile, hopeful details appear to have surfaced from the National Cricket Academy on the recovery status of Ravindra Jadeja and KL Rahul, who both missed the second Test in Visakhapatnam for various reasons. Rahul’s comeback to the squad is near, while Jadeja’s prospective selection is contingent on the team management’s evaluation of his hamstring ailment.
Nonetheless, both players are expected to participate in the forthcoming team, which will be without Virat Kohli, who has taken a leave of absence for the full five-Test series owing to a family issue.
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