England vs India: Jasprit Bumrah's participation unlikely in the Lord's Test

Team India lost the series opener at Edgbaston by 31 runs and are now lagging in the five-match series by 1-0. They would look to make amends at Lord’s where the second match will be played from August 9. However, the visitors have been dealt with a serious blow as their ace bowler Jasprit Bumrah is unlikely to recover from his injury.

According to the reports in Cricket Next, it will take more time for Bumrah to gain 100 per cent fitness. He had injured his thumb during the first T20 International against Ireland. Though he is currently bowling in the nets in full tilt, his thumb will require more time to heal. The team is already without Bhuvneshwar Kumar and it seems that the bowling attack will remain same for the second consecutive Test.

While announcing the squad, the selectors were hopeful of him getting fit until the second Test. “Jasprit Bumrah who has been included in the squad will be available for selection from the 2nd Test onwards based on his fitness,” the statement released by BCCI had read.

Will India field the second spinner?

Ravi Ashwin bowled beautifully in the first Test and returned with 7 wickets. He was India’s best bowler in the match and many felt that the visitors should’ve played two spinners to rattle the Brits’ batting line-up. It remains to be seen if Kuldeep Yadav or Ravindra Jadeja gets a nod ahead of any of the fast bowler.

Hardik Pandya’s place is also under threat after his mediocre performances on the tour. If India are to play another spinner, Umesh Yadav is the likeliest candidate to be dropped from the playing XI as he underperformed with the ball at Edgbaston. Cheteshwar Pujara might make a comeback at the top of the order at the expense of Shikhar Dhawan or KL Rahul.

[interaction id=”5b66b1b2b2f508d7affc5d0a”]

Keep following CricTracker for more news and updates