Jasprit Bumrah is back in India’s playing XI and he’s not pulling punches either. As the third Test against England draws near, the 31-year-old fast bowler has stirred up fresh talk as he made a cheeky comparison of England's recent pitches to India’s famously spin-friendly ones.
India and England are levelled at 1-1 in the ongoing five-match series. The third Test is scheduled to start on July 10 at Lord’s.
Let’s take a closer look at what Bumrah said and how India’s team is shaping up for this crucial encounter.
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Jasprit Bumrah compares England pitches to Kanpur and Nagpur before Lord’s Test
During India’s practice session at Lord’s on July 8, Bumrah was overheard joking with curators about the nature of the pitches in the series so far.
He said that the Leeds pitch at Headingley reminded him of Kanpur, and the Edgbaston surface felt like Nagpur, both venues in India known for their spin-friendly behavior.
"So far I have played in India, the Leeds wicket was like Kanpur and Edgbaston was like Nagpur," Bumrah said.
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India lost the first Test in Leeds but stormed back with a record-breaking 336-run victory at Edgbaston. Bumrah, who was rested for workload management, watched the action from the sidelines but is now confirmed to return for the Lord’s Test.
India’s predicted XI for Lord’s Test: Bumrah returns, changes in top order likely
With the series level and momentum back in their corner, India will field a boosted XI, with Bumrah leading the pace attack again. His inclusion likely means Prasidh Krishna will sit out. Siraj and Akash Deep, who impressed in Edgbaston, are expected to continue alongside him.
In the batting department, the opening pair of Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul is set. However, the No. 3 slot remains open. India tried Sai Sudharsan and Karun Nair in the first two games, but neither sealed the spot.
The middle order is looking solid with Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, and Ravindra Jadeja in form. Washington Sundar added crucial runs in the last Test and may retain his place in the XI.