India's Bowling Strategy: Managing Workload Ahead of Lord's Test
Pre-Match Insights from India's Batting Coach
As India prepares for the third Test against England at Lord's, batting coach Sitanshu Kotak shared his views on the importance of managing the workload of fast bowlers. He emphasized that this strategy applies not just to Jasprit Bumrah, but to all bowlers, as each faces unique challenges.
Excitement Surrounds Bumrah's Return
Following an impressive performance by Mohammed Siraj at Edgbaston, where he claimed seven wickets, including a six-wicket haul in the first innings, and Akash Deep's remarkable ten-wicket haul, the Indian team is eager for Bumrah's return. Captain Shubman Gill confirmed this ahead of the prestigious match at Lord's, highlighting the potential of fielding Siraj, Bumrah, and Akash together.
Workload Management for All Bowlers
During a pre-match press conference, Kotak stated, "Workload management is not just for Bumrah. Each bowler has different fitness levels and issues. We can't assume that one approach fits all. However, I believe there was sufficient rest between the first and second Tests, but the turnaround time is shorter after this match."
Kotak praised Siraj for his high bowling frequency and mentioned that the bowling coach, Morne Morkel, along with the strength and conditioning coach, is monitoring the bowlers' workloads.
"If a bowler feels the need for rest, they will recognize it themselves," he added.
Bumrah and Siraj: The Backbone of India's Pace Attack
Since 2020, Bumrah has bowled 1030.1 overs, taking 148 wickets at an average of 19.75, while Siraj has bowled 956.5 overs, claiming 109 wickets at an average of 30.95. No other pacer, including veteran Mohammed Shami with around 485 overs, has come close to the 500-over mark. This reliance on Bumrah and Siraj intensifies during overseas tours where conditions favor pace bowlers.
At home, spinners like Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Axar Patel, and Washington Sundar have provided essential rest for pacers on spin-friendly pitches.
In the first Test, Bumrah bowled nearly 44 overs, achieving a five-wicket haul in the first innings but went wicketless in the second while defending 371 runs. At Edgbaston, Siraj's performance included seven wickets, with a six-wicket haul in the first innings.