English batsmen put the opposition bowlers in the field for 190 overs, and the visitors went on to score 578 runs in the 1st innings of the 1st test against India.
Every bowler had to work hard for wickets, with Jasprit Bumrah and Jasprit Bumrah doing the bulk of the bowling, both picked up 3 wickets each.
Especially, Jasprit Bumrah bowled his heart out in 36 overs, gave away only 84 runs, and got 3 crucial wickets. Former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir is of the opinion that Jasprit Bumrah should be preserved for the crucial pink ball test that starts on February 24.
Gautam Gambhir said in a chat with Cricinfo,” I am not even sure whether Jasprit Bumrah should be picked for the 2nd test match. I think India should preserve him for the pink ball test match. See, Jasprit Bumrah is an X-Factor in the series, irrespective of what surface to play on, and you have got to keep that in mind too.”
“Jasprit Bumrah, you cannot just keep bowling for a longer session. Give him that short burst of 3 overs to try and pick a quick wicket, but not long spell because Bumrah is going to be very important going forward in the series, and if something happens to him, India is going to be in series trouble,” concluded Gambhir.
Gautam Gambhir went on to say Jasprit Bumrah should not be used for long stretches and should come for only 3-4 overs spells.
Meanwhile, India’s senior speedster Muhammad Shami has resumed “low-intensity” bowling at the National Cricket Academy as his fractured wrist has healed significantly, raising hopes that he could be available for the selection for the final 2 test matches of the series against England.
Muhammad Shami was hit by a short ball from Pat Cummins during India’s 2nd innings disaster at Adelaide on December 19. After sustaining a hairline crack on his right forearm, Shami had to retire, failing to maintain a short ball from Cummins.
