I have been hearing a lot of people talk about Jasprit Bumrah’s availability for the fourth Test in Manchester. I honestly find it silly to even contemplate the question. Bumrah is playing a collective sport, and the only thing that matters is what the team needs. With the series on the line, it is but natural that India would want and need their premier bowler. Nothing else is priority, and he has to play. Unless there is an injury – and from what we know, there isn’t – this is not even a debate or question worth a deep dive.
Old Trafford will offer assistance on the first couple of days, and Bumrah is one to exploit it. Even when the pitch eases out, he can make the ball do things which others can’t. We saw that at Lord’s as well. If India are to win in Manchester – and the record is grim, with four losses and five draws at Old Trafford – chances are that Bumrah’s presence could indeed make a difference. While we do have the Edgbaston example before us, this match is of massive significance with another series defeat looming. India can’t afford a wrong step, and the management and Bumrah both know it.
Also, in a team sport, individual choices can never be priority. While it is known that workload management is key, and that Bumrah will play only three of the five Tests, it is also true that with eight days before Manchester, there is enough and more time for him to be rested and refreshed. If Jofra Archer can, so can Bumrah. In fact, the English fast bowlers have bowled much more than India’s, and each one of them will once again turn up in Manchester wanting to close out the series.
When I see Bumrah perform, I see intensity. It was evident at the net session ahead of Lord’s, when he was running in full steam. That he is in top shape was proved beyond doubt in the first innings, when he picked up a five-for, and then in the second, where he bowled that unplayable delivery to Brydon Carse. A once-in-a-generation talent, Bumrah will know more than anyone that his real value lies in trying to win India cricket matches, and Manchester is one of the more important Tests in recent times.
From the perspective of Shubman Gill too, the debate is a non-starter. As captain, you need your best team on the mark and that includes your best bowler. With Bumrah, the attack has much more heft. Knowing full well that he is fit and the series is on the line, there is no way Gill and Gautam Gambhir can leave Bumrah out at Old Trafford.
This notion, post-Edgbaston, that India somehow don’t need Bumrah to win is utter nonsense. In the 20 Tests India have won when he has played, Bumrah averages 14.5 while picking up a wicket every 32 balls. Frankly, those are the numbers you’d have while playing against schoolkids. That’s how good he is.
Finally, it is also pertinent to remember that The Oval will likely see more of a batting deck, and if needed, Bumrah can be rested in London. Manchester, historically, has always helped the faster bowlers in the first half of the Test, and India will yet again need a lion-hearted effort from Bumrah to stay alive in the series.
Also, while we keep speaking about Bumrah, it is also pertinent to spare a thought for Mohammed Siraj. We hardly ever speak of his workload management, when he has shouldered the maximum responsibility in the series. We need him as well, for you need your best XI on the park yet again to make history and win for the first time at Old Trafford.
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