Jasprit Bumrah won't play the third Test between England and India as the national selectors and the team management are thinking of resting him for the Rajkot outing so that the pace spearhead remains well-rested for the final two Tests. Jasprit Bumrah took nine wickets while conceding 91 runs in both the innings to help India bulldoze England by 106 runs in the second Test versus England in Visakhapatnam. Bumrah took six wickets in the first Test in Hyderabad, which India lost by 28 runs, which brings his total wicket tally to 15 in a span of two matches. Notably the second Test between India and England is scheduled to be played from February in Rajkot.
No boom-boom in Rajkot Test
Bumrah bowled a total of 32 overs in the two innings of the second Test against England in Vizag, running riot with his exceptional bowling skills. The selection committee led by Ajit Agarkar acknowledged the importance of managing Bumrah's workload. In the previous Test at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Hyderabad, he had bowled 25 overs, but unfortunately, India lost the game by 28 runs. The selectors have no reservations about giving Bumrah a well-deserved break.
Mohammed Siraj, who was not part of the second Test, is expected to be included in the squad for the third match in Rajkot and will lead the bowling attack before Bumrah returns for the final two Tests. India's squad for the final three Tests is expected to be announced on Tuesday, February 6.
Siraj to return in 3rd Test
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is taking precautions with Siraj and Bumrah, especially since Mohammed Shami is already sidelined due to an ankle injury, ruling him out for the entire Test series against England. Shami is currently in London for treatment, and it appears unlikely that he will rejoin the Indian team.
In addition to Shami's absence, Ravindra Jadeja will also be unavailable for the Rajkot Test as he requires more time to recover from his hamstring injury. His participation in the remaining matches is uncertain.
Virat Kohli remains away from the Indian team due to a family emergency, and Team India's head coach, Rahul Dravid, mentioned that they will communicate with Virat to learn about his plans. AB de Villiers recently disclosed that Virat is in good health and spending time with his family, as Anushka Sharma is expecting their second child. In some relief to Indian side, KL Rahul is expected to feature in the rest of the five-Test series. The third match in Rajkot is set to commence on February 15th.
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