India's star pacer Jasprit Bumrah is set to return to the playing XI for the third Test against England at Lord's. The game is scheduled to begin on July 10.
Bumrah played the opening Test at Headingley and was rested for the second game in Birmingham as part of the team's pre-decided workload management plan. India trail 0-1 in the five-match series after a five-wicket loss in the first Test.
The second Test is currently underway at Edgbaston. It features three changes to the Indian line-up.
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Bumrah remains central to India's hopes of bouncing back and the decision to save him for Lord's could prove tactical as much as it is precautionary.
Shubman Gill finally confirms Bumrah’s availability for Lord’s Test
At the toss in Edgbaston, Indian captain Gill confirmed that Bumrah was not dropped or injured but rested deliberately.
He acknowledged that while the team had a good break after the first Test, the decision was influenced by the nature of the Lord's pitch - which is expected to suit Bumrah's style.
"No Bumrah. Just to manage his workload. We did get a good break and this is an important match for us. But the third Test being at Lord's, we think there'll be more in that pitch so we'll use him there," Gill said.
Gill also mentioned that Kuldeep Yadav was considered but was left out in favour of strengthening the batting lower down the order, following the collapse in the first match.
Before the series began, it was made clear that Bumrah would not be available for all five matches. The team had already planned to feature him in three Tests in an effort to balance performance and prevent injury.
With the third Test looming at one of the most iconic and seam-friendly venues in world cricket, India have set the stage for their lead bowler to return at full strength.