England could be in line for a shock reprieve in next week’s pivotal third Test in Rajkot with India understood to be considering resting Jasprit Bumrah. He was instrumental in India levelling the series at one apiece in Visakhapatnam, the fast bowler’s nine wickets in the match – including a fearsome six-wicket display of reverse swing on day two – setting up a 106-run win for the hosts.
But despite India’s victory with a day to spare extending the break between Tests to nine in total, a report on Cricbuzz has suggested the 30-year-old could now be afforded additional time to recharge before playing the final two Tests. With an eight-day gap between those fixtures in Ranchi and Dharamshala, his workload would be spread out.
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A source has said this scenario is very much a possibility. Given the series score and the time before the series resumes on 15 February, it would make for a surprise move by India and one that would be welcomed by England.
Bumrah, who has bowled 57 overs in the series and claimed 15 wickets at 10 runs apiece, represents a precious all-format commodity for India. Last year, the 30-year-old returned from a 10-month lay-off with a lower back stress fracture before playing a full part in the 50-over World Cup and two Test matches in South Africa last month. After the Test series against England comes the two-month Indian Premier League and the T20 World Cup in June.
India are yet to announce their squad for the next block of two Tests. As well as Bumrah’s deployment, it is not known whether Virat Kohli will return from his break for undisclosed personal reasons. Ravindra Jadeja (hamstring) and KL Rahul (quad) also missed the second Test, with the latter said to be better placed for a return in Rajkot. Mohammed Siraj, who was rested for the second Test despite bowling just 11 overs in the first, could return as Bumrah’s replacement.
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