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Former England batter and renown commentator David Lloyd has an advice for India's head coach Gautam Gambhir on the fuss about Jasprit Bumrah's availability for fourth Test. Notably, the fourth Test between India and England will start from July 23 in Manchester.
David Lloyd thinks Gambhir may need to reconsider his strategy concerning Bumrah for the ongoing series against England. This comes after India suffered a painful 22-run loss against England in the third Test at Lord's, which puts them trailing 1-2 in the five-match series. The defeat was particularly frustrating for India, as it marked the second time in the series that a five-wicket haul from Bumrah was not enough to secure a victory, the first instance being at Headingley, Leeds.
David Lloyd has an advice for Gautam Gambhir on 'Jasprit Bumrah' availability for 4th Test
The situation places the Indian team in a precarious position due to a pre-series plan revealed by Gautam Gambhir, which indicated that Bumrah was slated to play in only three of the five Test matches. With two of his designated appearances already resulting in losses, the effectiveness of this rotation strategy is now in question.
Lloyd suggests that a change of plans may be necessary. He believes that if India can win the upcoming fourth Test in Manchester, the management will be compelled to alter their initial plan. A victory would put the series back in the balance, likely requiring India to utilize their premier bowler for the remainder of the tour to maximize their chances of a comeback.
"It is what they've said and what the coach Gautam Gambhir said that he will play three out of the five Tests. So, he's got a choice. There are two matches to go. He's played two. If they are true to their words, he should play this next game at Old Trafford. But then, you know, they can manoeuvre that, can't they? If he plays this next one at Old Trafford and they get a result to make it 2-2, you'd think he'd play at The Oval as well. I'm second-guessing, but I think he'll play this next game and see where they are. If England go 3-1, he won't play. But if it's 2-2, he will play at the Oval," Lloyd on TalkSport Cricket.
Discussion also delved into Bumrah's impact on India's overall win-loss record, presenting a nuanced statistical picture. At first glance, the numbers might seem contradictory. Since his debut in 2018, India has won 19 out of 27 Test matches played without him, compared to 20 wins in the 47 matches he has been a part of. This seemingly suggests a better win rate when he is absent from the playing eleven.
“That's extraordinary. There was something that said when he plays they lose more than when he doesn't play, and he is like the best bowler in the world. And he is awkward and nasty with his action, but a thoroughly decent fella,” Lloyd further stated.
The true value of a premier fast bowler like Bumrah is most evident in the challenging conditions of SENA countries (South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia). A closer look reveals that of the 19 victories India achieved without him, only two came in these nations, highlighting that the majority of those wins were in more familiar, home-like conditions.
In stark contrast, Bumrah's influence in SENA countries is significant. With him in the lineup, India has won 10 of their 33 Tests in these territories, translating to a winning percentage of 30.30 per cent. This figure represents a substantial improvement, nearly doubling the team's previous success rate of 15.65 per cent in SENA nations before his debut.
It will be interesting to see whether Bumrah feature in India's playing XI in the Manchester Test or will be rested again as part of workload management plan.
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