Jasprit Bumrah Could Be Rested For IND vs ENG 3rd Test To Manage Workload: Report

IND vs ENG 3rd Test: Jasprit Bumrah could be handed a break for the Rajkot Test beginning on February 15.

Jasprit Bumrah, India's pace spearhead and the hero of their win in the second Test against England in Visakhapatnam, could be rested for the third Test match in Rajot, it is being learnt. While there has not been any official confirmation from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), it is being learnt that the 30-year-old speedster could be rested for the Rajkot fixture to ensure that he is at the top of his energy levels in what is a marathon five-match Test series at home.

Bumrah was adjudged the Player of the Match for his performance in the Vizag Test where India beat England by 1-6 runs to level the series 1-1. While he picked a six-wicket haul in the first innings, he returned with figures of 3/46 in the second to seal India a crucial victory after they lost the series opener in Hyderabad despite taking a 190-run lead. A report carried by Cricbuzz has, however, claimed that the national selectors are in talks with the team management and mulling a possibility of handing Bumrah, India's three-format asset, a rest.

No Clarity On Virat Kohli's Availability For IND vs ENG 3rd Test

Meanwhile, Bumrah is not the only Indian star who will not play the third Test. Senior India batter Virat Kohli had initially pulled out of the first two Test matches citing personal reasons but there is no clarity on whether he will be available for the rest of the matches. Moreover, KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja were ruled out of the second Test due to injuries. While Jadeja's hamstring injury could force him to miss even the third Test, it was earlier reported, Rahul is likely to be available for the Rajkot fixture after complaining of pain in his quadriceps.

India Coach Rahul Dravid was asked about Kohli's availability in the last three Tests in the press-conference after India's victory in Visakhapatnam to which he responded by saying that it would be best that the selectors answer that question.

"I think it's best to ask the selectors. I am sure they are the best people to answer ahead of the team selection for the next three Tests. We will get to that. I am sure there will be selection over the next few days. We will connect with him and find out," Dravid told the reporters.

India's third Test against England slated to be held at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot commences on February 15.