Sanjay Manjrekar backs ‘well-rested’ Jasprit Bumrah to play all Test matches against Australia

Former Indian batter Sanjay Manjrekar has put his weight behind well-rested Jasprit Bumrah to play all the remaining three Test matches against Australia. Bumrah pulled his abductor muscle while bowling in the first innings of the Adelaide Test and a drop in his pace was palpable.

However, Manjrekar noted that Bumrah is well rested as he has played in 34% of international matches of the team in the last three years. 

“I play him every Test match purely because Indian cricket takes care of Bumrah. And I’ve said this before as well, the number is etched in my head. 34% of international matches that India have played in the last three years is what Bumrah has played. Only 34% of what Indian cricket has played. So he’s well rested. And this is when you need, because these are the series that will be remembered forever. Give him a break in one of those bilaterals that we forget 48 hours later,” Manjrekar told ESPNCricinfo.

Meanwhile, Bumrah has played 47 matches out of the 165 games across formats in the last three years. The ace pacer was also ruled out with a back injury, which kept him out for almost 10 months.

In Tests, Bumrah has played 17 out of 28 matches India have played since 2022. Bumrah has been an integral part of the team and he has consistently delivered for the team across all formats. 

On the other hand, India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel revealed that Bumrah suffered a cramp while bowling in the first innings, and it is not anything serious.

“Firstly with Bumrah, he’s fine, it was just this cramp. Yeah, even because after that, you know, he bowled and you got the wickets twice,” said Morkel in the post-match press conference.

Jasprit Bumrah has bagged 12 wickets in the two Test matches of the series against Australia at an unbelievable average of 11.25 and he is going to hold the key for the team.

The third Test match between India and Australia will be played at the Gabba, Brisbane from December 14.