Dinesh Karthik Advocates for Strategic Use of Jasprit Bumrah in England Tests

Bumrah's Limited Participation in England Tests

Dinesh Karthik, the former wicketkeeper-batter, believes that India should strategically utilize Jasprit Bumrah's limited availability during the first, second, and fourth Tests in England. He suggests that the breaks between these matches will allow Bumrah's body sufficient time to recuperate.

Ajit Agarkar, the chief selector, confirmed during the announcement of India's squad for the England Test series that Bumrah has been advised against playing in consecutive Tests as part of his workload management. This caution arises from a stress reaction in his back sustained during the fifth Test against Australia in Sydney earlier this year.

Bumrah missed the Champions Trophy victory and recently returned to play for the Mumbai Indians in the IPL. Head coach Gautam Gambhir mentioned in a pre-departure press conference that a decision on Bumrah's participation in the playing XI for the Tests has not yet been finalized.

Karthik's Recommendations for Bumrah's Test Matches

Karthik has shared his thoughts on the optimal matches for Bumrah's participation, suggesting Headingley, Edgbaston, and Manchester as the best venues for him to make an impact. The schedule allows for over a week's gap between these Tests, providing Bumrah with ample time to regain his fitness before leading the pace attack.

"From what I've gathered, I believe he is set to play three Test matches. My prediction is that he will participate in the first, second, and fourth Tests. These matches offer enough breaks in between," Karthik stated during a podcast on Sky Sports.

"If the series is tight going into the fourth Test, I wouldn't be surprised if there’s a request for him to consider playing in the fifth Test," he added.

In his past performances in England, Bumrah has taken 37 wickets in nine matches, with an impressive average of 26.27, an economy rate of 2.72, and a strike rate of 57.8.

India's Squad for the England Tour

India Squad: Shubman Gill (c), Rishabh Pant (vc, wk), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudarshan, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Karun Nair, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel, Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav.