All eyes are on India as they prepare for the much-anticipated Test tour of Australia jasprit bumrahthe backbone of their pace attack. But with Bumrah’s injury history, there is growing concern over how the star bowler will manage his workload to ensure the Indian cricket team remains fit for the grueling five-match Test series Down Under later this year.
Legendary Australian cricketer Ian Chappell also compared Bumrah’s situation to that of legendary pacer Dennis Lillee during the 1972 Ashes tour, where his fitness and form had to be precisely balanced by the Kangaroos.
Jasprit Bumrah has faced serious fitness issues since his international debut in 2016. After suffering a back injury in September 2022, the bowler was sidelined for almost a year, missing major tournaments and leaving a huge void. Indiabowling attack.
Ian Chappell expresses concern over Jasprit Bumrah’s workload management ahead of high-stakes Australia tour
His return in August 2023 would not be out of the question, but there are still questions about his ability to maintain his high performance without further injury, given the busy testing season ahead.
It should be noted that Jasprit Bumrah, India’s deadliest fast bowler across formats, has not been rested for the second Test against Bangladesh, which begins on September 27 in Kanpur.
Reflecting on Lillee’s symbolic approach to managing his workload, Chappell highlighted that Jasprit Bumrah’s fitness will be a crucial element of India’s upcoming strategy. Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 in Australia later this year.
As Lillee insists on staying in rhythm, taking wickets rather than resting fast, India also face the tough challenge of keeping Jasprit Bumrah fit without taking him out of bounds.
With the upcoming Test series against Australia a high-stakes contest, the team management has to walk a fine line between maintaining his form and ensuring his physical well-being.
Chappell recalls Dennis Lillee’s workload management strategies for managing Jasprit Bumrah.
Ian Chappell wrote in a column for ESPNCricinfo: “At the start of the long tour, I suggested we could keep Lillee in cotton wool. He told me very sternly, “I have to be in shape as a batsman. When I carry a load of five cubits, you can talk about putting me in cotton wool.’
Chappell added: “An important part of India’s preparations for the tour of Australia will be ensuring that Bumrah is fit but remains fit to play the bulk of the five Tests. The challenge of balancing this task was perfectly summed up by Australian pace hero Dennis Lillee in the 1972 tour of Great Britain.
With India’s hopes resting largely on Bumrah’s shoulders, the pressure is on for the star pacer to fire on all cylinders without risking a long-term injury in the upcoming Test matches.
If India can strike the right balance, Bumrah will surely be a game-changer for the Indian team to continue their dominance on Australian soil in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.
Mercury Mohammed Shami would be ideal if fit for Australian tour: Chappell
Meanwhile, the former Australian captain believes that India’s bowling attack will be boosted significantly if Mohammed Shami is fully fit for the tour of Australia given his unpredictable but impressive nature.
The legendary player further noted that the addition of a skilled left-arm pacer will bring valuable variety to the team’s pace attack for the much-anticipated Test series between India and Australia.
Chappell said, “Mohammed Shami would be ideal if the mercurial Australia would suit, but having a good left-arm pacer would also improve India’s attacking diversity. The spin bowling is in good hands with Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin. However, I wouldn’t discount the importance of Kuldeep Yadav on some Australian surfaces.
