Irfan Pathan says Bumrah’s return will make it more difficult for England, backs Shardul Thakur to replace Washington Sundar

Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan reckons Jasprit Bumrah’s return for the third Test match against England at Lord’s will make it even more difficult for the home team if a seam-friendly pitch is dished out. Bumrah had returned with figures of 5-83 in the first innings of the opening Test at Leeds, Headingley, but he was rested for the second Test to manage his workload.

The Indian pack leader will most likely replace Prasidh Krishna in the playing XI as the lanky pacer has failed to create any impact in the first two Test matches.

Meanwhile, England suffered a huge loss of 336 runs in the second Test and Pathan reckons the hosts will be under the pump.

“Now England will be left confused — if they win the toss, what should they do? Should they stick to their usual approach? Ideally, you shouldn’t abandon something that has worked for you. Personally, I hope they don’t change their Bazball style. But the challenges are real. What are those challenges? For one, India has countered every aspect of their game,” Pathan said on his YouTube Channel.

“And looking at the seam-friendly conditions, India’s main weapon — Jasprit Bumrah — who will return. Once he returns, it will become even more difficult for England. Akash Deep is already getting sharp movement, and Siraj will benefit too, even if he bowls as first change. India even has the option of adding another seaming bowler if needed — that’s the depth they have,” he added.

Pathan said India might consider replacing Washington Sundar by Shardul Thakur if the conditions are seamer-friendly.

“Just one confirmed change — Jasprit Bumrah coming in for Prasidh Krishna. That’s a sure shot. Apart from that, the only decision India will have to consider is whether to continue with Washington Sundar if the conditions are seam-friendly, or go back to Shardul Thakur,” Pathan added.

Sundar scored 42 runs in the first innings of the second Test and added 144 runs with Shubman Gill. The off-spinner also dismissed England captain Ben Stokes in the second essay.

“Washington Sundar performed well, but if the pitch at Lord’s offers more seam movement, will his bowling really be effective? At Edgbaston, the conditions were ideal for him — even some rough patches were visible — but at Lord’s, India might consider going back to a fast-bowling all-rounder. However, that brings back the batting dilemma. So this will be a tricky call. Personally, I’d be slightly tilted in favour of Shardul,” he continued.

The third Test match between India and England will be played at Lord’s, London from 10th July onwards.