With speculation mounting around Jasprit Bumrah's availability for the second Test against England at Edgbaston, starting July 2, the India captain Shubman Gill put all rumours to rest on Tuesday. Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Gill confirmed that Bumrah is available for selection and the team management will decide on his participation after assessing the Edgbaston pitch.
The confusion began soon after India’s loss in the first Test at Headingley, where Bumrah bowled more than 43 overs and bagged a five-wicket haul in the first innings. Several media reports claimed that he might be rested for the Edgbaston game to preserve him for the rest of the series, given India’s pre-planned strategy.
Concerns were raised about whether India could afford to rest their premier pacer at a crucial juncture in the series. Edgbaston, where India have not won a Test match yet, presents an opportunity for the visitors to bounce back, and Jasprit Bumrah could prove to be vital.
Shubman Gill Offers Clarity on Jasprit Bumrah's Particpation in 2nd ENG vs IND Test
Providing a much-needed update, Shubman Gill told reporters during the pre-match press conference that Bumrah is available for selection. The final decision on his inclusion will be taken after assessing the pitch and the team’s combination needs.
"Jasprit Bumrah is definitely available. We just need to see how we manage his workload in the upcoming Test matches. We are trying to find the right combination where we can take 20 wickets and score runs as well on this kind of wicket. We will take a final look at the wicket today and then think about our final combination we want to go with tomorrow," Gill said as quoted on the eve of the Edgbaston Test.
Importantly, Gill also shed light on the fact that the team was well aware from the start that Bumrah would not be playing all five Tests. Notably, even after India's five-wicket defeat in Leeds, head coach Gautam Gambhir had reiterated that the pacer will play not more than three Tests on the tour and his workload management plan remains unchanged.
"We knew prior to the series that we would get Jasprit for three games, but we had that sorted beforehand. Yes, obviously we would miss him, but we have our plans sorted," Gill added.
"India’s Problem to Deal With" - Ben Stokes Brushes Aside Jasprit Bumrah Question
When England captain Ben Stokes was asked about Bumrah during his own pre-match interaction, he chose not to engage in the debate. Without giving much away, Stokes made it clear that the matter was for the Indian team to handle.
"(Bumrah is) India’s problem to deal with. I am the captain of England. Let India decide what they want to do and what they want to say publicly," Stokes said as quoted.
England have named an unchanged playing XI for the Edgbaston clash after their impressive win at Headingley.
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