Follow UsThe selection headache for the Indian men’s team remained the biggest talking point ahead of the second Test match in the five-Test series against England as India deliberated a few calls late into the day before the match.
The biggest question is about Jasprit Bumrah’s place in the side and his fitness, as India’s premier pacer looked like the only bowler who can pick a wicket on demand in the first Test in Leeds. It was decided before the series itself that Bumrah won’t play more than three Tests in the series.
“We will take the Jasprit Bumrah call this evening (July 1). Jasprit Bumrah is available,” Shubman Gill informed at the pre-match press conference.
“We are trying to find the right combination that can pick 20 wickets and score runs as well. Will take the final call after looking at the wicket for the final time today,” Gill added.
The Indian skipper also said that the team is looking to play two spinners in the second Test, as they felt that an extra spinner would help them control the flow of runs. However, the team isn’t yet decided on which spinner to play. Both Kuldeep Yadav and Washington Sundar remain in contention for the Birmingham Test.
“We will decide which spinner plays after looking at the pitch,” Gill said.
“We felt in Leeds that an extra spinner would help contain the flow of runs, especially in the third or fourth innings.”