The India and England Test series will begin with the first match in Leeds from June 20.
The pace star of India, Jasprit Bumrah, has virtually assured everyone that he would be available for three of the forthcoming five-Test series against England, which starts on June 20 with the first match in Leeds.
In addition to marking Bumrah's comeback to red-ball cricket following a protracted injury absence, the series will begin India's new World Test Championship cycle. Since the final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia in January, when he was once again sidelined by a back injury, the top fast bowler has not played in international cricket.
Bumrah acknowledged that he won't be ready for every Test match because of workload issues in an interview with former India batsman-wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik for Sky Sports Cricket.
According to him, the team management is now working with him to organize three tests, but he left the possibility of additional matches based on workload open.
“Plan on the go. 3 Test matches are what I'm looking at. Obviously, the number is not decided. First (Test) is definitely on, that is going to happen. Rest, we will see how things are, what is the workload and scenario... but yes. 3 Tests is what I can manage at the moment,” Bumrah told Karthik for Sky Cricket.
Bumrah said that he doesn't want to put in as much effort in the longest format and that his worries about workload management were a big factor in his decision to decline the Indian captaincy.
“I don't want to be in a desperate scenario. That is one part as well. If I were a captain, I couldn't be dictating that I can only play 3 Test matches. That doesn't send a good message to the team. I want to be at my best as a player and contribute to the best of my capability,” said Bumrah.
During the series against England, Shubman Gill will take the helm for the first time for the Indian Test team. After Rohit Sharma retired from the format, the decision was made public last month. Under Rohit's direction, Bumrah captained the team in two Border-Gavaskar Trophy games and served as India's vice-captain.
But in the end, the fast bowler's injury woes proved to be the biggest obstacle to his selection as the next Indian captain. In Test cricket, Rishabh Pant will now be India's vice-captain.