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The world’s number one Test bowler and Indian vice-captain, Jasprit Bumrah, is set to be rested for the fourth Test against England. Bumrah has bowled more than 80 overs in the first three Tests and has been exceptional in this series, taking 17 wickets at an impressive average of just 13.64, making him the leading wicket-taker so far.
The decision was made by the team to balance his workload for the upcoming tightly packed schedule, which includes the month-long IPL starting on 22nd March, followed by the T20 World Cup set to take place in the USA and West Indies from 2nd June.
The fourth Test between India and England is scheduled to begin on 23rd February at the JSCA International Stadium Complex, Ranchi. The decision was taken after India secured victory in Rajkot to lead the series 2-1. The BCCI released an official statement stating that the decision was made considering the duration of the series and the amount of cricket Bumrah has played in recent times.
In the ongoing series, Bumrah is not the first pacer to be rested to manage his workload, as Mohammed Siraj was also rested for the second Test in Vishakapatnam. Meanwhile, wicketkeeper-batsman KL Rahul is also ruled out of the fourth Test, and his selection for the final Test will be subject to fitness.
Filling Bumrah’s void in the team will be a difficult task for captain Rohit Sharma. Mukesh Kumar, who was dropped from the squad for the third Test, has been selected as the replacement for Jasprit Bumrah in the fourth Test. Considering the turning tracks of Ranchi, India might opt for an additional spinner in the form of Axar Patel, who played in the first two Tests. Axar will also provide some added batting depth to the side. Some reports suggest that Bengal and RCB’s right-arm medium-fast bowler Akash Deep might make his debut in Ranchi. Akash Deep has 104 first-class wickets boasting an economy of 3.03 with an average of 23.58. Meanwhile, Mukesh, who was released from the team for the third Test, grabbed a ten-wicket haul against Bihar in the Ranji Trophy for Bengal. With plenty of options in hand, it remains to be seen whom captain Rohit Sharma picks as Bumrah’s replacement in the upcoming Test.
The fourth Test is set to start tomorrow at 9:30 am.
