India is currently 1-2 down in the 5-test series, and Bumrah has only one test match left. Bumrah didn't play the second match at Edgbaston, which India won. However, it was not Bumrah who lacked in the first match; it was other bowlers at Headingley and batsmen failing to perform in the first match because of which India lost and not due to Bumrah’s performance. In fact, Bumrah has taken a fifer in each test match he has played, showing why he is extremely important for India and why it is crucial for him to be in the playing 11. Although he's only available for one more test, that creates a big question mark: is he playing in Manchester or Oval?
Manchester or Oval?
He is going to make a big change whether he is playing in Manchester or over at Oval. But the pitch of Manchester has a great bounce, especially early on, perfect for someone like Bumrah, who mostly relies on pace and swing. As the time evolved, the Manchester pitch went slow, so the ball was going to swing more—“perfect“ for someone like Bumrah who hits the deck hard.” The oval pitches are typically batting pitches. Help spinners more later in the game than pacers. Swing early on but fade quickly. He's still dangerous, obviously, here too, but conditions are tailor-made for him; he has to work harder with variation and patience. However, in Manchester, he's going to prove more dangerous than an Oval.
Straight from the dressing room—India’s Assistant Coach
Indian assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate stated in a press conference, “We will make that call in Manchester.” He further added, “We know that we've got him for one of the last two tests. It is pretty obvious that the series is on the line now in Manchester, so there will be leaning towards playing him, but again, we have got to look at all the factors. How many days of cricket are we going to get up there? What do we feel is our best chance of winning that day? And then how does that fit in together with the Oval? I am looking at these two games holistically as a part of the series.”
Another blow for India—
Meanwhile, another Indian pacer, Arshdeep Singh, injured his bowling hand during the next session and left the peak, while it is not clear if he is requiring stitches or if he will play at Old Trafford in Manchester. Ryan refused to answer about Arshdeep’s participation and India’s bowling combo. “We will take a call on the combination we play, particularly given the Arshdeep situation as well. We will make that call also closer to Manchester,” he said.
