England could be in line for a shock reprieve in next week’s pivotal third Test in Rajkot with India understood to be considering resting Jasprit Bumrah. He was instrumental in India levelling the series at one apiece in Visakhapatnam, the fast bowler’s nine wickets in the match – including a fearsome six-wicket display of reverse swing on day two – setting up a 106-run win for the hosts.
But despite India’s victory with a day to spare extending the break between Tests to nine in total, a report on Cricbuzz has suggested the 30-year-old could now be afforded additional time to recharge before playing the final two Tests. With an eight-day gap between those fixtures in Ranchi and Dharamshala, his workload would be spread out.
A source has said this scenario is very much a possibility. Given the series score and the time before the series resumes on 15 February, it would make for a surprise move by India and one that would be welcomed by England.
