Sanjay Manjrekar says he would be shocked if Jasprit Bumrah doesn’t play at Old Trafford

Former Indian batter Sanjay Manjrekar admitted he would be shocked if Jasprit Bumrah doesn’t play the fourth Test match against England at Old Trafford. It has already been revealed that Bumrah will play only three out of the five Test matches in the Anderson-Tendulkar series.

The ace pacer has scalped 12 wickets in two Test matches at an average of 21 in the ongoing series. Bumrah had suffered a back injury in the fifth Test against Australia at Sydney and was ruled out of the Champions Trophy. Since then, special attention has been paid to manage Bumrah’s workload.

With India trailing 1-2 in the series, Bumrah’s role is going to be pivotal in the fourth Test against England.

Sanjay Manjrekar said on ESPN Cricinfo, “There is no point in resting for this one and then losing the series and coming in for the final one. Plus, the ideal gap too. The first Test match, when he bowled in the second innings, he looked a little jaded and flat. You felt that he’s feeling the load. Here [at Lord’s], he was very keen to bowl that final spell as well. He bowled a slightly longer spell because he knew there was a big gap.”

Manjrekar said he was surprised when Bumrah didn’t play the second Test against England.

“The first time I was surprised when he didn’t play the second Test, but this one, I’ll be shocked if he doesn’t play,” the 60-year-old added.

On the other hand, Manjrekar said he would back Sai Sudharsan at number three. Sudharsan returned with scores of 0 and 30 in the opening Test at Leeds, while making his debut.

Manjrekar added, “Sai Sudharsan was always my No. 3. After the first Test match, there was some promise shown with 30 runs. And, when you have flat pitches and one of England’s weakest bowling attacks, you want to play your young players.

“Karun Nair at No. 3, I didn’t agree with. Maybe the team management might just want to prove that we are backing the right horse and give him one more match. That’s something that happens. But, I would like to see Sai Sudharsan at No. 3,” Manjrekar went on to add.

The fourth Test match between England and India will be played at Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester, from July 23 onwards.