The raging debate over whether India's premier pacer Jasprit Bumrah will play the fourth Manchester Test against England, starting on July 23 to 27, has not ended just yet. Ahead of the crucial Test, where India are trailing 1-2, the speedster's inclusion has garnered a lot of eyeballs. With the fast bowler only set to play three Tests out of five Tests due to workload management, Bumrah playing the vital fourth Test is still not decided. Former cricketer Harbhajan Singh stated that for him, workload management is a completely new thing.
Management is not willing to take any more risks, with regards to the pacer's workload, as his back broke down playing all five Tests Down Under in the early part of 2025.
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"See, workload management is a new thing. Once IPL came, people said that I would bowl 24 balls in a match, and they would be absolutely spot on, and that is how people trained. If you go back in time? What was the workload? The workload was fitness. Players played a 5-match series in the past as well. But yes, if someone is concerned about the injury, then you need to be careful," Harbhajan Singh said.
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The cricketer-turned-expert called Jasprit Bumrah an honest cricketer who will do what his body permits. However, the former off-spinner also stated the premier pacer over-bowled himself against the Australia BGT series.
"But see, Jasprit is the most honest cricketer out there. If he is not in pain, he will not only bowl a 4-over spell, but he will bowl a 10-over spell for you. He did that in Australia as well. He bowled so much there that he got injured. His action contributes to that well. His run-up is short, and you have to bowl at high speed, so the finishing of his action puts a lot of stress on the body. If his body is well, make him play 5 Tests. If he plays 5 Tests, India will win the series. Ask any opposition, they will say that they do not prefer facing Bumrah," he added.
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Management undecided on Bumrah playing the Manchester Test
With already Akash Deep and Arshdeep Singh ruled out of the Manchester Test, Bumrah playing the match becomes all the more vital. However, there is no official confirmation if the right-arm pacer will play the fourth Test. Anshul Kamboj has been added to the squad as a backup player. Apart from Mohammed Siraj, Shardul Thakur and Prasidh Krishna are the other pace options India has for the Manchester Test.
