Crew India’s tempo spearhead Jasprit Bumrah was lacking from motion within the dying moments of the Headingley Check on Tuesday, elevating eyebrows as England raced to a five-wicket win. Regardless of the brand new ball being taken instantly after the eightieth over, a second tailored for Bumrah’s return, captain Shubman Gill selected handy it to Mohammed Siraj as an alternative, whereas persisting with Ravindra Jadeja from the opposite finish.
The choice did not yield the specified outcomes. With solely 21 runs wanted for victory, England’s wicketkeeper Jamie Smith confirmed no hesitation, going after Jadeja with ruthless intent. He plundered 18 runs in a single over, sealing a memorable 371-run chase for the hosts, their second-highest in Check historical past.
Bumrah’s absence from the assault throughout the decisive ultimate section left followers considerably involved. Moments earlier than India took the second new ball, Bumrah was seen receiving a shoulder therapeutic massage on the sector, a sight that reignited hopes of a last-ditch effort from India to script a miracle end. However as England edged nearer to the goal, Bumrah remained on the sector with out taking the ball, fuelling hypothesis over a possible health concern.
Gill, nevertheless, dismissed issues over Bumrah’s health, insisting the pacer was totally match. He defined that the choice was tactical, geared toward giving different bowlers a shot with England needing solely a handful of runs. Nonetheless, the omission of Bumrah at a crunch second raised severe questions on India’s intent and recreation consciousness within the ultimate stretch.
“No, he is fully match. Nothing like that. They had been 15 or 20 runs left, so we simply wished to provide it to another bowlers, however he’s positively match,” Gill advised the BBC after the match.
Bumrah went wicketless within the second innings after a five-for within the first. After a irritating 188-run opening stand by way of which Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley pounced on India’s inconsistent line and lengths, Prasidh Krishna struck twice to ignite hopes. Shardul Thakur, then, took two wickets in a single over earlier than Jadeja eliminated captain Ben Stokes. Nevertheless, Joe Root and Jamie Smith ensured the hosts comfortably cruised over the road to take a 1-0 lead within the sequence.
Will Bumrah play subsequent Check?
Gill was additionally requested whether or not the crew has selected India’s premier quick bowler’s availability for the subsequent Check at Edgbaston. Nevertheless, the Indian captain remained tight-lipped on that entrance.
“It is positively match-by-match. We have an excellent break after this match. As soon as we go to Birmingham and see the wicket, we are going to see if he will play that one or not,” stated Gill.
