Former Indian fast bowler Ashish Nehra has dismissed the notion of having a pre-determined plan for the matches that Jasprit Bumrah will play in the upcoming five-Test series in England, which is set to kick off at Leeds on June 20. With India looking to manage Bumrah’s workload to maintain his fitness, reports have suggested that the star pacer is likely to feature in the first, third, and fifth Tests.
During India’s recent series in Australia towards the end of last year, the 31-year-old played in the first four Tests but unfortunately suffered a back injury during the fifth Test in Sydney, forcing him to miss the entire second innings. This injury also ruled him out of India’s subsequent white-ball fixtures, including the 2025 Champions Trophy and the early matches of the 2025 IPL season before his return.
Speaking to the media ahead of the first Test against England, Nehra expressed his views on Jasprit Bumrah’s workload management, stating that it should ultimately be the fast bowler himself who determines how his body is coping. Nehra emphasized that Bumrah’s exceptional skill and performance on the field should guide decisions about his participation in matches, rather than a rigid pre-planned schedule.
Nehra also questioned the feasibility of setting a fixed plan for which Tests Bumrah would play, pointing out variables like weather conditions that could impact match schedules. He highlighted the unpredictability of cricket and emphasized the importance of allowing flexibility in decision-making based on how Bumrah feels physically and mentally.
Jasprit Bumrah himself confirmed that he is likely to feature in three of the five Tests in the England series. Known for his impressive performances in red-ball cricket, Bumrah has a remarkable record in England, having taken 37 wickets at an average of 26.27 in nine matches.
In an interview with Sky Cricket, Bumrah discussed his approach to workload management, indicating that playing three Tests is a comfortable target for him at the moment. Considering factors like workload, match scenarios, and his own physical condition, Bumrah expressed confidence in managing his participation in the series without overexerting himself.
Team India will be aiming to end an 18-year winless streak in Test series in England, with their last triumph on English soil dating back to 2007. Bumrah’s presence and performance will be crucial in India’s quest to secure a series victory in England after a long wait.
As the anticipation builds for the India-England Test series, cricket fans will be eagerly watching the dynamic performances of Jasprit Bumrah and the Indian team as they strive to create history on English soil.
