Ahead of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, India will play Australia in a three-match ODI series, starting September 22.
With less than three days left for the 50-over series, former India pacer Sreesanth has said that Jasprit Bumrah should be rested if there is a niggle, insisting that the latter should take this call depending on how his body is responding.
Bumrah has been looking in terrific rhythm ever since his comeback to international cricket after a long injury lay-off during the T20I tour of Ireland last month. The right-arm quick claimed four wickets at an average of 9.75 from two T20Is against Ireland and earned the Player-of-the-Series award.
During India’s triumphant Asia Cup 2023 campaign, Bumrah picked up four wickets from three innings at an average of 17.75.
“It will be interesting to see the kind of pitches they offer to Australia in the series. But I want Bumrah to be rested if there is a niggle. Let him decide how his body is feeling. He deserves to make that decision and choose his priority. The use of fast bowlers would be crucial. They should rotate them and the fast bowlers should focus on bowling in partnerships,” said Sreesanth while speaking to Sportskeeda.
Sreesanth also opined that India wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul should play all the matches against Australia to maintain his consistency. Rahul has been named captain for India’s first two ODIs.
“I would ask the likes of KL Rahul to play all the games and maintain the consistency that we spoke about. Show Australia that it will be worse for them in the World Cup. Just demoralize them and make sure we don’t lose,” he added.
During the Asia Cup 2023, Rahul made his comeback to the team after recovering from thigh surgery and he instantly made an impact, scoring 169 runs from three innings at an average of 84.50 with one hundred. He also donned the keeping gloves to dismiss the concerns around his match fitness.
Mohali will host the ODI series opener between India and Australia. The action then moves to Indore where the second ODI will take place on September 24. Rajkot will stage the series finale on September 27.
