Former England cricketer Mark Butcher has delivered a clear message to Jasprit Bumrah amid reports that the India pacer might be rested for the second Test at Edgbaston, Birmingham. Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Shubman Gill have already confirmed that Bumrah will feature in only three Tests during the series. With four Tests remaining, speculation is mounting that Bumrah could miss the Edgbaston match as part of workload management.
Bumrah showcased his skill with a five-wicket haul (5/83) in the first innings of the opening Test, but was unable to make an impact in the second innings, finishing wicketless as England comfortably chased a challenging target of 371 runs. Given the need to manage his workload, the team management faces the task of deciding which three Tests Bumrah will participate in throughout the series.
Butcher emphasized that Bumrah’s selection should prioritize the team’s requirements over personal preferences. Speaking to Wisden, he said, “Bumrah is going to be a huge talking point as to whether or not this is one of his three Test matches. I think it has to be, it absolutely has to be. Six day break after Headingley, 1-0 down, he plays. I know he wants to play at Lord’s but the needs of the team and the series are more important than his wish to play a Test at Lord’s.”
