I would ask Jasprit Bumrah to play the second Test: Ravi Ashwin

Former Indian spinner and analyst Ravichandran Ashwin has stated that since India is 0-1 down in the Test series against England, he would request the Indian pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah to play the second Test, aiming to level the series.

As there will be a long gap between the third and fourth Tests, Ashwin stated that the seamer can take a rest at that point in time. Though Ashwin doesn’t want major changes in the XI, he wants Kuldeep Yadav to come into the XI.

"Considering we are 1-0 down, I'd ask Bumrah to play the second Test, and try to get even in the series, and then he can take the break. Since there is a considerable break between the 3rd and 4th Test, he can take rest then, and play the 2nd Test. I'll just bring Kuldeep in, and not do any other changes,” Ravi Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.

Furthermore, Ashwin reckoned that there were a lot of batters who were elevated to a god-like status in a nation like India. However, the same is not the case for a bowler like Bumrah, who has achieved a lot of milestones so far.

"There have been many batting greats from India who have been elevated to a god-like status in our country. We haven't lifted him up to that level yet. But what a performer he is! What a skilful bowler!,” he added.

Moreover, Ashwin questioned Mohammed Siraj’s role in the playing XI. He added that Siraj needs to play a bankable role of supporting Bumrah by drying up the run-flow, instead of going for wickets straightaway.

"My only question is to Siraj... can you just dry up the run flow? You don't have to pick up wickets, but can you not give away 4 or 5 runs in every over? The thing is, if runs are being leaked, then you have to bring Bumrah back into the attack. How many dams will Bumrah be able to construct? Also, he gets tired, and his spells are pushed, and by then, partnerships are forged. Or you'd have to go with (Ravindra) Jadeja, who has to step in to stem the flow of runs. Prasidh (Krishna) is playing for the first time, and he is inexperienced. So, Siraj has to play the bankable role,” he observed.

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