Salil Ankola bats for Jasprit Bumrah’s inclusion in 4th Test against England, says fast bowler should not travel with team if he is unfit

Former Indian selector Salil Ankola wants India to play Jasprit Bumrah in the fourth Test match against England. Ankola said the ace pacer should not travel with the team if he is not fit. Bumrah is India’s best bowler and there is no doubt he is going to hold the key in the must-win game at Old Trafford.

The gun fast bowler has picked 12 wickets in two Test matches at an impressive average of 21 against England in the ongoing Anderson-Tendulkar series. 

Meanwhile, it has been predecided by the selectors and team management that Bumrah will play only three out of the five Test matches against England.

Ankola said on Mid-Day, “If Bumrah is touring England as a team member, he definitely has to play the fourth Test; he has to play all the matches. Bumrah is definitely a match-winning bowler, but it’s not like we don’t have other bowlers. If he is unfit, don’t take him with the team. Let him be fully fit. You [team management] are also unsure and Bumrah is also unsure [whether to play or not]. So, who takes that call? It’s not the coach, it’s not the selectors, but it’s the physio and doctor.”

“That means someone somewhere is not taking responsibility for doing their job right. I’m not criticising anybody, this is my opinion as a layman because I’m not in the selection committee”.

On the other hand, Ankola backed Kuldeep Yadav’s inclusion in the team’s playing XI against England. The left-arm wrist spinner has scalped 56 wickets in 13 Test matches at an impressive average of 22.16. Against England, Kuldeep has bagged 21 wickets in six Test matches at an impressive average of 22.28.

“Why are you taking wrist-spinner Kuldeep in England? He is a match-winning bowler. He worked hard, he got himself stronger, fitter and is bowling very well. You have to play Kuldeep. For how many more years are going to cushion your batters? You need to take 20 wickets, so matches are won by bowlers, not batters,” Ankola said.

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