David Lloyd Takes Dig at India’s Bumrah Plan: ‘Will He Play at Old Trafford or The Oval?’

Sports News: Even as the wounds from the Lord's defeat remained, India was struck with a familiar headache. Moments after India's loss in the third Test against England, and following thorough analysis of where India went wrong, analysts and fans alike asked, Will Jasprit Bumrah play the next Test? While India has remained quiet about their plans, former England cricketer David Lloyd caused the rising tension with an "extraordinary" dig. Before the Test series began, India declared that Bumrah would play only three matches on the tour to manage his workload.

Bumrah's workload management

After recovering from a back injury suffered during the Australia tour, the pacer returned to action in April of this year. Head coach Gautam Gambhir maintained his strategy, resting the 31-year-old for the second Test in Birmingham before returning him for the third Test in London. With Bumrah having already played two matches, India must decide between Manchester and The Oval for his final outing.

David Lloyd's opinion

Lloyd told the media that with the series on the line, India's only hope is to field Bumrah in the fourth Test at Old Trafford, which begins next week. However, he said that if India manages to tie the series again, the visitors may be urged to play Bumrah in the final as well.

“It is what they've said and what the coach Gautam Gambhir said: that he will play three out of the five Tests. So, he's got a choice. There are two matches to go. He's played two. If they are true to their words, he should play this next game at Old Trafford," he said.

"But then, you know, they can manoeuvre that, can't they? If he plays this next one at Old Trafford and they get a result to make it 2-2, you'd think he'd play at The Oval as well. I'm second-guessing, but I think he'll play this next game and see where they are. If England goes 3-1, he won't play. But if it's 2-2, he will play at the Oval,” he added. 

' Team's win rate without Bumrah is better'

“That's extraordinary. There was something that said when he plays, they lose more than when he doesn't play, and he is like the best bowler in the world. And he is awkward and nasty with his action, but a thoroughly decent fella,” he added.