In what could be termed as an unpleasant news for Indian cricket fans, pacer Jasprit Bumrah is unlikely to win the race against time to be fit for the second Test against England that starts at the historic Lord’s on Thursday (August 9).
Bumrah was named in the Indian squad for the first three Tests, despite a fractured thumb, as the selectors had said that he would be considered for the second and third match of the series.
Cricketnext has reported that Bumrah still needs time to go before being hundred percent fit. The paceman has been bowling in the nets continuously to stay in shape.
The team is already without Bhuvneshwar Kumar and it seems that the bowling attack will remain same for the second Test.
While announcing the squad, the selectors were hopeful of Bumrah getting fit until the second Test. “Jasprit Bumrah who has been included in the squad will be available for selection from the 2nd Test onwards based on his fitness,” the statement released by BCCI had read.
India eyes to bounce back
Following their 31-run loss at Edgbaston, India will look to level terms in the second Test against England. The batsmen will have to step up and provide support to the Indian skipper Virat Kohli.
Kohli was the lone warrior in Birmingham scoring 200 runs including his first ton on the English soil in the first innings. The batsmen undid the great work put in by the bowlers. While Ravichandran Ashwin bagged seven wickets during the match, Ishant Sharma picked up a fifer in the second innings.
India will definitely be desperate to put in a much-improved effort and level terms in the five-match Test series.
