Despite India’s cautious approach to managing Jasprit Bumrah’s workload, England pacer Mark Wood firmly believes the star bowler will feature in both the second Test at Edgbaston and the third at Lord’s in the ongoing Anderson-Trophy series. Wood, who is currently sidelined with an injury and not expected to return before the fifth Test, suggests Bumrah’s presence is essential for India to bounce back from their 1-0 deficit after the first match at Headingley. Furthermore, Wood reckons Bumrah wouldn’t want to miss the opportunity to have his name etched on the Lord’s honors board.
Indian team management, including chief selector Ajit Agarkar, head coach Gautam Gambhir, and captain Shubman Gill, had previously indicated that Bumrah would be rested for some matches to prevent injury, limiting him to a maximum of three Tests in the series. While assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate confirmed Bumrah’s availability on Monday, he noted that a final decision on his inclusion in the playing XI for Wednesday’s match was yet to be made.
“He’s going to play them two, I am telling you,” Wood confidently told Michael Atherton during a Sky Sports show. “I think he’ll play them both… He’s got to because they can’t afford to go 2-0 down, so you want your best bowler. There’s no way he’s saying I am not playing at Lord’s. I think he’ll want to play both games. Let’s just say India win the next one and it’s 1-1, I still think they’ll want him to make the difference to get them ahead. Every overseas bowler wants to get on that board and he’ll be the same,” Wood elaborated, emphasizing the strategic importance and personal ambition that he believes will drive Jasprit Bumrah’s participation.
Do you agree with Mark Wood?
