Anil Kumble backs Jasprit Bumrah to play remaining two Test matches against England

Former Indian leg-spinner Anil Kumble has backed Jasprit Bumrah to play the remaining two Test matches against England. It has been reported earlier that Bumrah will play only three out of the five Test matches against England.

After Bumrah played the first and third Test, it is expected that the ace fast bowler would skip the fourth Test despite a week-long break and would play the fifth Test at Kennington Oval, London. 

Bumrah bagged a five-wicket haul in the first innings of the third Test and then took two wickets in the second essay. Kumble wants the ace pacer to be part of the fourth Test and said Bumrah can rest in the home Test series against the West Indies.

“I would certainly, if I’m a part of that group, I would certainly push Bumrah to play the next game because that’s crucial. If he doesn’t play and then you lose the Test match, that’s it. Series is done and dusted. I think Bumrah should play both the Test matches. I know he said, I’m only going to play three. We have a long break after this. You don’t need to play the home series. You can take a break if you want. But Bumrah should be playing the next,” Kumble told JioHotstar.

On the other hand, Indian captain Shubman Gill revealed they haven’t decided on Bumrah’s availability for the fourth Test.

“You will get to know about it soon,” Gill told Michael Atherton at the post-match presentation.

Meanwhile, Bumrah has taken 12 wickets in two Test matches of the series against England at an average of 21 and there is no doubt India is going to need him while trailing 1-2 in the series.

The fourth Test match between England and India will be played at Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester, from July 23 onwards.