He only managed to scalp one wicket on Day 3 of the 4th ENG vs IND Test.
Former India batter Mohammad Kaif has made a massive prediction on the future of ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah after the ongoing ENG vs IND series. He believes that the Indian fans might not see him feature in another red-ball series following his recent comeback from the back injury, which he sustained in the final match of the latest Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) series 2024-25. This stunning prediction came after a rare, struggling day for Bumrah when he managed to scalp only one wicket on Day 3 of the ongoing fourth Test in Manchester.
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Match Cancelled
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According to the 44-year-old, Bumrah’s body is not able to bear the workload in the longest format of the game. Previously, he had declared his availability for only three matches of the tour due to the same reason. Notably, the pacer is currently playing his third fixture of the series. He will not feature in the upcoming fifth and final contest, which will commence on July 31 at The Oval and might turn out to be the series decider.
“I think that Jasprit Bumrah might not be seen playing Tests anymore, and he may also retire from the format. He is struggling with his body and bowling slower than usual. If he realises that he is not able to give his 100 percent for the nation, not contributing to the team’s winning cause, then I think he would decide to retire on his own,” said Kaif.
He also discussed how Bumrah’s pace has suddenly dropped in the ongoing fixture. Undoubtedly, the bowler is continuing to play for India with the same intensity, but he might take that unfortunate call if he fails to acquire the strength that is required for a pacer in the red-ball format, opined Kaif.
“His speed has also decreased. He was clocking around 125 -130 km/h. The one wicket that he scalped was also caught by the keeper with a dive in front. The deliveries from a fitter Bumrah achieve way more height due to his lethal pace. His passion to represent the nation is still the same, but his body is not permitting him the strength and energy that is needed to do so,” added the former batter.
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Though the prime Indian pacer has been seen grappling in the ongoing fixture, he has enjoyed his usual, brilliant form in the first and third matches of the series so far. Bumrah bagged a five-wicket haul in the first innings in each of the two Tests at Headingley and Lord’s. He has snared eight wickets in five innings at an economy of 2.97 so far.
However, the hosts have secured a huge 186-run lead after India got bundled out for 358 in the first innings. The Indian bowling unit would look to bounce back early on Day 4 after a struggling third day with the hope of ending the English innings sooner. England will resume play at 544/7 with skipper Ben Stokes (77) and all-rounder Liam Dawson (21) at the crease.
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