IND vs ENG Second Test: Bumrah out and Archer in brings the pace headache for India

Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah is likely to miss the second test against England, creating a void in the bowlers lineup while England brings in Jofra Archer, one upping the visitors. The Indian fast bowling department was spearheaded by Bumrah who regardless of the conditions or flaws by the rest of the team had a great impact. 

After losing the Headingley test, the Indian side is facing another blow as Jasprit Bumrah is likely to step out of the Second test at Edgbaston. A key part in crumbling England’s batting in the first test including a forgettable five- wicket haul after fielding mishaps, Bumrah will be sitting out at Edgbaston but will join the team at Lord’s for the third test. 

Can India afford a better replacement?

Currently there is no one better than Bumrah to spearhead the seam attack and Siraj has to step up the game, bowl full and long and focus on maintaining good grip on the strategy. The big question that hangs is how can India take 20 wickets in the absence of Bumrah? They certainly couldn’t in his presence but the blow has to be compromised with quick strategy and practice in the pace unit which currently has Prasidh Krishna and Shardul Thakur, both not really reading the length or aiming for the stumps. 

England’s stern partnership helped especially to build a wicketless partnership by Ben Duckett and Zack Crawley who seamlessly passed through the aimless pace attack. The target seemed defendable while the weather gave the moist conditions for swing which went unutilized by the Indian pacers on Day 5, giving a major sprint for the English to get the target. 

England’s Ample Pace Attack

England pacer Jofra Archer returns to the Test squad after 4 years, his last match in white was in 2021, also against India at Ahmedabad. Plagued by long term injuries, Archer’s induction only adds more advantage to the England squad apart from Chris Woakes, Jamie Overton, Josh Tongue and Brydon Carse. 

While many have questioned the need for Archer or the knack of him performing for four days. Apart from first class cricket, Archer might struggle in the later innings, especially as the series progresses. Although England has upper hand with 1-0 after the win at Headingley, the rest of the tour is long and as hinted by the England skipper could be ageing badly, testing the physical form of the players. 

On the contrary, Bumrah is sitting out due to the heavy workload and pressure on his injury rid body, the opposite of Archer who has not played test cricket in years. While both the pacers have proven to be some of the best and Bumrah returning for the third test, having them head to head if Archer comes out of the second test unscathed.