IND vs ENG 2024: Jasprit Bumrah should play in Rajkot: Michael Atherton backs gun fast bowler

Former England skipper Michael Atherton wants India to play Jasprit Bumrah in the third Test match against England at Rajkot. Bumrah played in the first two matches against the visitors and thus the team management could rest him for the third Test to manage his workload.

However, as there is almost a 10-day gap between the second and third Test match, India could afford to play Bumrah. The Indian gun fast bowler returned with figures of 9-91 in the second Test match against England at Vizag. The ace pacer bowled a terrific spell of 6-45 in the first innings on a flat track as he played a key role in skittling out England at 253.

Furthermore, Bumrah had bagged six wickets in the opening Test match at Hyderabad, including 4-41 in the second innings. Bumrah has scalped 29 wickets in six Test matches in home conditions at a splendid average of 13.06.

After his consistent performances, Bumrah became the first Indian pacer to reach the numero uno position in the ICC Test rankings. The Indian gun fast bowler has scalped 155 wickets in 34 Test matches at an average of 20.19.

“You want your cracker jack bowler, who can open up the game when the conditions are flat. But then it’s a quick turnaround to Ranchi and then Dharamsala where you probably want your seamers to play as it’s a bit cooler. I would’ve thought favourite for him is to play here and in Dharamsala. Depending upon how it goes here, they may look to rest him in Ranchi,” said Atherton said in an interview with Sky Sports.

As Rajkot’s pitch is known to be flat, there are rumors floating around that Bumrah could be rested. However, the ace pacer had also bagged nine wickets at Vizag despite the pitch being flat, especially in the first innings.

“There are a few rumours in the Indian media. One that he might not be in the squad and will be rested for Rajkot. They prove to be unfounded. There are still a few rumour mills that they are looking to rest him at some point in the series,” said Atherton.

“Rajkot has a reputation of being one of the flatter pitches – it only has had a couple of Tests. I think there have been 9 individual 100s scored. India scored 650 against the West Indies. In 2016-17, 3 England batters got hundreds,” Atherton added.

The third Test match between India and England will be played at Rajkot from 15th February onwards.