2024-02-21 21:42:58
New Delhi: When the Indian cricket team reached Ranchi, they were missing a key player, which was becoming a problem for England. Ultimately, what was expected happened, star fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah was rested from the fourth Test. Bumrah, who has been in action for three consecutive Tests, has been given a break due to workload management. The Indian team took this decision in view of important ICC tournaments like IPL, T-20 World Cup. This has put the Indian think-tank in a dilemma as to who will replace Bumrah in the playing eleven. Although Bumrah was keen to play all five Tests, the team management and selectors have convinced him to skip the Ranchi Test and focus on the last game in Dharamshala.
‘Beautiful’ option of beautiful-letter
In the last three Tests, instead of the spinners, Jasprit Bumrah remained India’s captain. He troubled the English batsmen with his deadly reverse-swing. Now the decision regarding the replacement of Jasprit Bumrah in the playing eleven will largely depend on the playing conditions in Ranchi. Generally, Test matches in India are played on slow pitches, which are flat in the beginning and get worse as the match progresses. However, for the first time in this series the option of turning pitch is being considered. If so, then Washington Sundar or Axar Patel could be brought in to strengthen the batting lineup.
India created history by defeating England in Rajkot, recorded the biggest win in Test by 434 runs.
How is the Ranchi pitch?
In the Test series being played in five different cities, the soil of the Ranchi pitch is blacker than other grounds. The pitch preparation in Ranchi has been done in the same manner as in Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam and Rajkot. However, if India decide to go for a turning pitch, the groundstaff can water the pitch selectively or stop watering it altogether.
Why will India go with spinners only?
India has the option of Mukesh Kumar and uncapped Akash Deep, who can be used to accompany Mohammed Siraj in Ranchi. However, Mukesh had completely failed to make an impact in his only Test played in Visakhapatnam. On the other hand, Akash Deep had performed well against England Lions, but debuting a new player at the crucial juncture of the series would be a risk. That is why the team will consider the option of playing an additional spinner. Even in Visakhapatnam when Siraj was rested, India initially planned to play Washington but ultimately went with Mukesh, who bowled only 12 overs in the match. Even if the pitch is not a turner, India believe that playing another spinner will strengthen the team, as both Washington and Akshar can bat well.