Jasprit Bumrah has not looked in his rhythm in the ongoing fourth Test against England, raising fresh concerns over his long-term future in red-ball cricket. The Indian pace spearhead returned figures of 33-5-112-2 — marking the first time in his Test career that he has conceded over 100 runs in a single innings. Mohammed Siraj also struggled, finishing with 1 for 140 in 30 overs.
As per the BCCI’s pre-tour workload management plan, Bumrah is likely to skip the fifth and final Test, having already featured in three of the four games so far.
Speaking to Sky Sports, former Australia captain Ricky Ponting shared his observations on both Indian pacers and voiced concern over their fatigue levels.
“That’s why the game’s called Test cricket. Yeah, it is a test. It’s a physical test, it’s a mental test and a challenge,” Ponting said. He pointed out that both Bumrah and Siraj seemed weary during the Manchester Test. “There were always concerns about Bumrah and Siraj really getting through this Test series with as many games under their belt as possible. You know, this is, I think, the fourth game now for Siraj. So yeah, it’s starting to take its toll.”
Ponting added that Bumrah looked “flat” right from the start of the match. “His pace has been around 82, 83 miles an hour, which is probably three, four, or five miles down.”
Bumrah had started the series strongly in the opener at Headingley, where he bowled with rhythm and pace, regularly hitting speeds over 140 kmph and picking up a five-wicket haul in the first innings. He missed the second Test in Birmingham but returned in the third Test at Lord’s, where he impressed again with seven wickets.
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