What did Ben Stokes say about Bumrah ahead of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2nd Test?

The Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy showdown has reached a boiling point with all eyes directed towards the high-stakes second Test at Birmingham. Right before this fixture, England captain Ben Stokes tried to kill all speculations regarding the star pace of India’s Jasprit Bumrah, considering the absence may just tilt the momentum in favour of England.

He addressed the media almost a day before the Birmingham Test and made it very clear that what India wants or doesn’t want to do with Bumrah is an affair solely for that team. “Bumrah is India’s issue to handle. I lead England. It’s up to them how they want to manage him and what they wish to say about it,” said Stokes, with conviction, when asked if resting Bumrah would give England a leg-up.

The statement came on reports of India’s lead pacer possibly being rested from the second game for workload management. According to several fans following Winexchange for live cricket prediction updates, Bumrah is indeed a great factor in any Test match.

India’s Workload Management for Bumrah

Right before the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series began, India had already let it out that Jasprit Bumrah was to partake in only three Tests. Returning from an injury to his back, which troubled him for more than two months, Bumrah has his workload monitored tenaciously by physios and coaches.

In the first Test at Headingley, he bowled 44 overs and picked five important wickets in the first innings, causing great trouble to the English top order. Yet, India lost by five wickets, raising doubts about the bowling depth without their prime fast bowler. 

Post-match, Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir addressed the very same issues. He said that the team will abide by their decision to ensure Bumrah’s workload is managed. “Nothing changes for us. We have a lot of cricket lined up, and Bumrah is vital to our plans. Before he returned, we had already chalked out that he would play only three Tests in this series,” Gambhir explained in Leeds. 

However, which two Tests Bumrah will play next remains undecided. Gambhir added that the team has full faith in the remaining bowlers to step up when needed. “It depends on how he pulls up physically. We haven’t finalised which two matches he’ll take part in next. Even if he sits out, our bowling unit is ready, and we trust every bowler in the squad,” Gambhir said. 

Who Might Replace Bumrah in Birmingham?

Resting Bumrah for the Birmingham Test means India’s bowling will be significantly weakened. He was the only bowler to have been a consistent threat to England’s batters during the first Test, and without him, the scales would be tipped in the other direction. 

Akash Deep would probably lead the race to replace Bumrah. Another option could be left-armer Arshdeep Singh to lend an altogether different angle to swing from. Both Akash Deep and Arshdeep Singh have been seen putting in extra hours in the nets, working hard to be match-ready should they get selected in the playing XI.

For fans on Winexchange, the final composition of the bowling lot could play a critical role in shaping your live cricket prediction for the second Test. So watch the toss and last-minute team news closely before making your final calls. 

English Squad Unchanged but With Archer Back in Camp

The other good news for the English set-up is that they will enter the Birmingham Test with the unchanged XI from the first Test. Jofra Archer is alleged to be fit for inclusion; however, as of now, he is with the team to work on his rehabilitation and find support.

Interestingly, Archer missed training on Monday due to a family emergency while continuing to stay in the camp as he aims for a comeback into Test cricket soon. “It’s good to have Jofra back around the team. He’s vital for this series, but right now, it’s about having him here and building him up. I know Jofra wants to play Tests for England again, that’s all that matters to me,” Stokes said, casting aside any doubts about the pacer’s commitment.

What This Means for Cricket Lovers

For cricket lovers on Winexchange, doubts surrounding Bumrah have been greeted with some exciting uncertainty about their live cricket prediction plans. England will be looking to exploit any weaknesses in Indian bowling, while India’s second-string pacers will be eager to prove themselves under pressure.

With four Tests in front, there lies a lot of action for you to predict and win real money. Keep your eyeballs nailed to pitch conditions, last-minute updates of teams, and the form of players before you make your next decision on Winexchange.

Whether Bumrah plays or not, one thing that is for sure is the unpredictability of this Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy battle. So get your predictions ready, and watch each ball intently; only trust your cricketing instincts at Winexchange.

FAQs

1. Will Jasprit Bumrah play the second Test at Birmingham?

A: At this stage, it seems unlikely since India wants to manage its workload for the rest of the series. However, the final call will be taken on match day.

2. Who will replace Bumrah if he doesn’t play?

A: Akash Deep is the leading candidate, although Arshdeep Singh is now also in the frame as a potential inclusion to offer variety to India’s bowling.

3. Is Jofra Archer playing the second Test in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy?

A: No, Archer is with the squad for fitness training but hasn’t been included in the eleven to play yet.

4. Where can I get real-time match updates and predictions?

A: Stay tuned to Winexchange for the latest match updates, insights, and live cricket predictions, winning exciting cash prizes.