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The Shubman Gill-led Team India went down by five wickets in the opening Test of the five-match Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. On Tuesday, June 24, the home side chased 371-run target with ease, courtesy a 149 off 170 from Ben Duckett, along with fifty-plus scores from Zak Crawley (65) and Joe Root (53*). Not only this chase of 371 was the second highest by England, but also their second highest against India.
However, Team India too had their moments on the field, but where did they lose the match is a never-ending debate, seeing them struggle in the field with dropped catches and lack of support for Jasprit Bumrah from the other end. Seeing this, Team India head coach, Gautam Gambhir was inquired of Bumrah’s participation in the remaining matches of the series.
He will play a total of three matches: Gautam Gambhir clears stance on Bumrah’s participation in ENG-IND series
Speaking at the post-match press conference, on being asked about Bumrah’s availability for the remaining four matches, Gambhir responded, “[We] haven’t decided which two matches Bumrah will play, but he will play a total of three. We need to manage his workload. The scoreline doesn’t change that… he will play three Tests only.”
Notably, Gautam Gambhir’s statement reiterated Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar’s stance where he cleared, “I don’t think Jasprit Bumrah will be available for all five Tests. Even if he’s fit for 3-4 Tests, he’ll be an asset to us.” Speaking of Bumrah’s performance in the Headingley Test, he picked up five wickets across the two innings. He registered his 14 th five-wicket haul, and 12 th in away Test during the first England innings.
It has to be seen if he gets a game in the second Test, which is scheduled to be played from July 2 to 6 at Edgbaston in Birmingham.
