New Delhi [India], July 15 (ANI): Former all-rounder Irfan Pathan has taken aim at India’s strategy for managing the workload of their star fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah, especially considering England’s captain Ben Stokes giving his all after returning from injury in the third Test at Lord’s.
Stokes, who earned the Player of the Match title for his heroic performance in England’s narrow 22-run victory, bowled 44 overs, marking the third highest in his Test career. He scored 44 and 33 with the bat and made a critical run out of Rishabh Pant in the first innings. Despite worries regarding his workload, Stokes fiercely bowled a formidable 9.2-over spell on the morning of the fifth day during England’s effort to defend a 192-run target.
In his determined pursuit, he took the invaluable wicket of India’s elegant opener KL Rahul. He didn’t hold back, delivering a 10-over spell after lunch, where he ultimately ended Jasprit Bumrah’s resistance to secure a 2-1 lead in the series. In contrast, Bumrah bowled 43 overs, entering the fray fresh after sitting out the Edgbaston Test.
The top-ranked Test bowler was set to participate in just three of the five Tests to handle his workload issues. The caution surrounding Bumrah’s usage arises from a stress reaction in his back during the fifth Test against Australia in Sydney back in January. Pathan noted that if Stokes can maintain long spells on the pitch, India might have overlooked a significant opportunity by not maximizing their key asset.
“Ben Stokes bowled a 9.2-over spell on the morning of Day 5. He is a versatile player. He bowls, bats, and even executed the crucial run out of Rishabh Pant—yet there’s no discussion about workload when he delivers. But with India, it’s a different scenario. Bumrah bowls five overs and then waits for Joe Root to come in, while the game needs control. His workload was managed since he didn’t play at Edgbaston. When you’re in a match, workload shouldn’t matter,” Pathan expressed on his YouTube channel.
Dynamic Jofra Archer made his Test comeback after a four-year hiatus marked by injuries. Even with limited experience and playing time, he clocked 150kph to rattle Indian batsmen. He partnered with Stokes, claimed essential wickets, and concluded with match figures of 5/105.
“Jofra Archer was stepping into a Test after four years, and he bowled a six-over spell in the morning and returned for more. Ben Stokes never considered workload. He covers every base. If he can deliver a nine-over spell for his country, then we missed the mark in this regard,” he added. (ANI)
