Jasprit Bumrah's been in stunning form with the ball in the ongoing Test series.
Former England captain Michael Atherton believes that the Indian speedster Jasprit Bumrah must play in the third Test of the ongoing five-match Test series against England in Rajkot. The third Test is scheduled to take place at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium on February 15.
Bumrah's been in stunning form with the ball and delivered an incredible performance in the second Test in Vizag, where he scalped nine wickets to help Team India beat England by 106 runs.
With this win, India leveled the five-match Test series at 1-1 after a 28-run defeat in the Hyderabad Test.
Well, Atherton believes that the Indian team will rely on Bumrah's ability to make an impact on flat pitches. He expects Bumrah to be part of the playing XI for the third Test against England in Rajkot, especially given his current form.
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Michael Atherton was quoted as saying by Sky Sports: “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.”
Atherton further said, “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.”
Speaking on Rajkot's reputation of being one of the flatter pitches, the commentator noted: “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.”
Atherton signed off by saying, “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.”