New Delhi– Former India wicketkeeper-batter Deep Dasgupta has urged the team to bring star pacer Jasprit Bumrah back into the lineup for the upcoming fourth Test against England in Manchester, stressing the importance of fielding their best bowler in a pivotal match.
Before the series began, India’s chief selector Ajit Agarkar and head coach Gautam Gambhir announced that Bumrah would play only three of the five Tests in order to manage his workload. So far, Bumrah featured in the matches at Headingley and Lord’s but was rested for the third Test at Edgbaston.
“Absolutely, Jasprit Bumrah should play in the fourth Test,” Dasgupta said on JioHotstar. “I’ve heard the initial plan was for him to play the first, third, and fifth Tests. But now that India is trailing 2-1, the fourth Test becomes incredibly important for a comeback. You want the world’s best bowler on the field.”
Interestingly, India has lost both Tests in which Bumrah played, though he took five-wicket hauls in the first innings of both matches. As the team prepares for the fourth Test at Old Trafford starting July 23, Bumrah’s presence is expected to strengthen a bowling attack looking to turn the tide in the series.
“There’s an eight-day break between the third and fourth Tests, so there’s time to rest. The fifth Test only matters depending on what happens in the fourth — and we can worry about that later. Right now, the fourth Test is everything,” Dasgupta added.
India heads into the Manchester match following a narrow 22-run defeat at Lord’s. With England now leading the five-match series 2-1, India must win the fourth Test to stay in contention before the final game at The Oval in London from July 31 to August 4. (Source: IANS)
