Jasprit Bumrah, an Indian speedster, is uncertain for the second Test against England at Edgbaston, which begins on Wednesday, June 2. Ravi Shastri, former India head coach, has urged that the right-arm bowler forego the match to control his workload.

With India losing 0-1 in the five-match series, skipper Shubman Gill and head coach Gautam Gambhir must make a difficult decision on which of the remaining four Tests Bumrah should play. Shastri stressed the necessity of carefully managing Bumrah, advising that he be rested for the Edgbaston Test before returning for the third match at Lords.

“Bumrah stated that he will play three Test matches. Now, which of the three he’ll play is another question. I believe if he takes a sabbatical, it will be the next one,

Because he will undoubtedly want to play at Lord’s, correct?” Ravi Shastri spoke on

He went on to say that the slope at Lord’s, the venue for the third Test, is naturally suited to Bumrah’s bowling technique and would provide him with excellent conditions to make an impression. However, Shastri warned that resting Bumrah now may mean India goes into the Lord’s 0-2 down, emphasising the tough balance of controlling the speed spearhead’s fitness level.

He noted that this is part of a plan to keep Bumrah for critical games, which might include performances at Old Trafford or The Oval later in the series.

There’s a pause, then you go into Lord’s, then there’s a break, and then you have the option of Manchester or the same. It’s possible that we’re down 2-0. So there is the issue. “I think he has to play,” Shastri continued.

India had some things to take away from the first Test in Leeds, but they must focus on improving their bowling as they prepare for the second Test at Birmingham. Meanwhile, England has boosted its squad with the addition of Jofra Archer for the second Test.