Team India displayed tremendous levels of resilience in the 4th Test match at Old Trafford and kept the series alive. The series is presently 2-1 in favour of England and the 5th Test match promises to be an absolute crackerjack of a clash.
One of India’s key players, Jasprit Bumrah, might not feature in the 5th Test match due to workload issues. This has been a major concern for the Indian Cricket Team and several pundits have weighed in on their opinion about the same.
Former Indian cricketer and now-turned cricket pundit, Aakash Chopra, has shared his thoughts about the entire Bumrah debate.
“Bumrah said he will play three matches only, and I am thinking whether it was required to publicize it. Why was it not kept a secret? We don’t announce our team as well. So why was it necessary to reiterate it repeatedly before the start of the tour that he would play three matches only? Let them guess. You play whichever Tests you wish,” said Aakash Chopra on his YouTube Channel.
Chopra also mentioned that the opposition can make different pitches if Bumrah isn’t available.
“You have played one, and you know you can play only two of the remaining four matches, which is not a good thing. If you play the second as well, you will play one of three. So, suddenly, the opposition gets into a great frame of mind that Bumrah, your biggest strength, is also not there. You can prepare pitches accordingly,” he added.
India oozed resilience in the 2nd innings at Old Trafford
India were behind the eight ball at the start of the innings as they were restricted to 0-2, with a deficit of over 300 runs. Nobody gave India a chance and the writing was on the wall for India.
But Shubman Gill and co. embodied the never-say-die attitude and helped India salvage a draw.
Gill, Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja smashed 100s while KL Rahul scored 90 runs, as India saved the Test match.
