Former India cricketer Irfan Pathan believes India should have utilized fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah more effectively at Lord’s, drawing a comparison to England captain Ben Stokes’s intense bowling effort.
Pathan Questions Bumrah’s Workload Management
Pathan expressed his disappointment with how India managed Jasprit Bumrah’s workload during the crucial Lord’s Test. He pointed out that Bumrah bowled only five overs and then waited for a specific batsman, Joe Root, when the team needed to control the game.
According to Pathan, Bumrah’s workload had already been managed by resting him from the previous match at Edgbaston. He argued that in a Test match, especially one as critical as Lord’s, the focus should be entirely on winning, not on pre-planned workload restrictions.
Ben Stokes: The Blueprint for Effort
Irfan Pathan heavily praised Ben Stokes’s relentless performance, citing his marathon spells on the final day of the Lord’s Test. Stokes bowled 9.2 overs and then a 10-over spell, putting immense pressure on India.
Pathan highlighted Stokes’s all-round contribution, not just his bowling and batting, but also his crucial run-out of Rishabh Pant. He emphasized that there was “no talk of workload management” for Stokes, who was determined to give his team the best chance to win.
Archer’s Inspirational Comeback
Adding to his point, Pathan also lauded Jofra Archer, who was playing a Test match after four years due to injury struggles. Archer bowled fiery spells and did not hold back, even after such a long hiatus from red-ball cricket.
Pathan used Archer and Stokes as examples of players pushing their limits for the team’s victory, contrasting it with what he perceived as India’s cautious approach with Bumrah.
Stokes on His “Cooked” Effort
Ben Stokes himself admitted to being “pretty cooked” after his herculean effort. He bowled 45 overs in the match, acknowledging it was a massive day with the game on the line. Stokes stated that the prospect of bowling to win a Test for his country on Day 5 was enough motivation to push through any fatigue.
He explained that regardless of how he woke up, the desire to perform for his team was paramount. His comments underscore the single-minded focus on victory that Pathan believes India could have emulated more effectively.
- Irfan Pathan criticized India’s workload management for Jasprit Bumrah at Lord’s.
- He contrasted Bumrah’s usage with Ben Stokes’s marathon bowling spells and all-out effort.
- Pathan also praised Jofra Archer’s return to Test cricket, noting his lack of workload concerns.
- Ben Stokes described himself as “cooked” but emphasized his commitment to winning for England.
This debate highlights the fine line between player welfare and the demands of winning crucial Test matches, especially when a series is on the line.
