Harbhajan Singh backs Jasprit Bumrah to manage workload on England tour

Former Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh urged Jasprit Bumrah to manage his workload with guile in the five-match Test series against England. Bumrah was phenomenal on the Australian tour, bagging 32 wickets in five Test matches at a staggering average of 13.06. 

However, the gun fast bowler had suffered a back injury in the fifth Test match at Sydney and thus could not bowl in the second innings. Bumrah is once again going to hold the key on the England tour and it would be crucial to manage his workload.

Chief selector Ajit Agarkar has already revealed that Bumrah won’t play all five Test matches against England.

Harbhajan Singh said on PTI, “Jasprit Bumrah, he is that kind of individual, he knows his body. When to push himself or when to kind of take a break a bit. And of course, he understands his body better than anyone. And he is a brilliant athlete. India needs him in any test matches and every test match.”

“So, to keep him fresh for the whole series would be the key. And I wish and I hope that he continues to be fit and continues to play cricket for Team India. And I hope he plays all five test matches in England.”

Bumrah had scalped 18 wickets in four Test matches on England tour in 2021 at an average of 20.83.

After his stellar performances in 2024, Bumrah was awarded with the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year and the Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year.

Along with Bumrah, India has picked Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Arshdeep Singh and Akash Deep as other fast bowlers in the squad.

The opening Test match between India and England will be played at Leeds, Headingley, from June 20 onwards.